Wild Dunes Wildlife
Alligators
In the Spring our alligator population is surveyed and documented by WDCA and a wildlife consultant. If the consultant deems any alligators are “nuisance” alligators, then they will be removed. A nuisance alligator is identified as having the following characteristics:
- Repeatedly displays aggressive behavior which causes it to be a safety concern. This may include repeated hissing and/or movement toward a human, as opposed to retreating into the water when approached.
- Typically a nuisance alligator is six feet long or greater; however, behavior of the animal is the primary factor in determining whether or not an alligator is a nuisance.
- Leaves its lagoon or marsh natural habitat, repeatedly settles in a yard or on community common property close to human activity and does not retreat when approached.
Alligator breeding season is April through May. Adult males will be moving throughout the community while looking for females. You will see them more frequently and hear them bellowing.
If a homeowner or guest observes a potential nuisance alligator, they should contact WDCA 843-886-8847. The Association will have our wildlife management professional observe the alligator and, if it meets the criteria outlined above, it will be removed. Please remind your guests to use caution around alligators and our lagoons. Swimming and wading in the lagoons are strictly prohibited.
Coyotes
Don’t attract coyotes to human spaces with food!
- Don’t leave pet food outside
- Make sure trash is secure
- Roll out trash on pickup day, not the night before. Smells can attract a curious coyote
- Protect compost piles and gardens
- Don’t leave fruit from trees on the ground
- Reduce yard rodents by eliminating woodpiles, trimming bushes and bringing in bird feeders at night
Keep pets safe
- Keep cats indoors as much as possible
- Keep dogs leashed on neighborhood walks, especially if dogs are small
- Be careful when in areas with dense vegetation, including dunes and golf course
- Wait to unleash dogs on the beach until well past dunes
- Watch unleashed pets closely
- Be especially careful after twilight and into the night
- Don’t let pets “play” with coyotes
Don’t ignore coyotes
- Don’t leave small children alone outside
- If a coyote approaches, lift small pets and children off the ground
- Make loud noises and wave your hands or objects
- Throw stones or other objects
- Spray with a hose – from a safe distance
Coyotes breeding season
- Late January through March
- They are not strictly nocturnal. You may see them during the daylight hours, but are generally more active after sunset
- You may see and hear coyotes more frequently during breeding season.
Contact Police
Call 9-1-1 if you encounter an aggressive coyote. Otherwise, please report sightings to Isle of Palms Police Department’s non-emergency number: (843) 886-6522.
Sea Turtles
Keep Our Turtles Safe: Lights Out (May – October)
- The beach is a seasonal nesting ground for Loggerhead turtles. The Isle of Palms “turtle team” LINK identifies and marks nesting sites. Please do not disturb the eggs in the nests or the hatchlings returning to the ocean. Light fixtures facing the ocean should be turned off during turtle nesting season.
- Please fill in any holes left in sand and do not leave items on the beach.