Hilton Head Island’s Amazing Animals-Part 1

Author: Sharon Lowe

By the time this article is posted, I will be on safari in Africa – one of those bucket list, dream trips. But it got me thinking that we have some pretty exotic animals right here on Hilton Head Island.  First on the list – Alligators!

No trip to the Island is ever complete without seeing one of our favorite Island natives, the American Alligator. We can find them in the lagoons in Palmetto Dunes and anywhere fresh water exists on Hilton Head. You might have to look a bit harder in our lagoons since they are filled with brackish water – a mix of fresh and salt water – but they are there. On warm sunny days, you will likely see them sunning on the banks of the lagoons.

Just a reminder – keep your distance from any alligator and DO NOT let your pets get near them!  Despite their short legs, they are quite fast (add info about speed). And those jaws are quite strong and are filled with 80 very sharp teeth.  If they are sunning on land, stay at least 10 feet away from them and do not get between them and the water. For more safety tips, please see Alligators on Hilton Head Island.

Here are some interesting facts you can share with any kids (or adults) you take on an Alligator Safari.

In an April 16, 2025, Island Packet article by Anne Claire Miller, Shannon Marie, marine educator and public program coordinator for the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, said some species of alligators are the last relatives of dinosaurs. “They help to control populations of other animals and protect important wildlife throughout the coastal ecosystem, so while they might look scary, it’s important to have them around.” https://www.islandpacket.com/news/state/south-carolina/article304188086.html#campaignName=hiltonhead_morning_newsletter&linkType=nmeintro

Alligators are federally classified as “threatened due to similarity of appearance” to other endangered crocodilians. They can only be taken legally by individuals with proper licenses or permits.

American alligators have 80 teeth. When a tooth wears out, it is replaced.  As a result, during its life, one alligator can go through 3,000 teeth!

Alligators have a lifespan of 35 to 80 years.  Male alligators can grow to 14 feet long and weigh 1,000 pounds. Females grow to about 10 feet and weigh up to 250 pounds.

Female alligators lay a single clutch of 30 to 50 eggs in early June to mid-July. The nests are about 2 feet high and 5 feet wide. She makes the nest out of vegetation and other materials found in the surrounding habitat.

The eggs incubate for about 65 days.  In late August or early September, the female liberates the hatchlings from the nest. She may defend and stay with her hatchlings for up to a year, gradually removing herself as the next breeding season approaches.

Alligators, like all reptiles, are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to maintain their body temperature. They are most active during hot temperatures (82-92 F), stop feeding when the temperature drops below 70F and become dormant below 55F.

According to the South Carolina Division of Natural Resources, there are about 100,000 alligators in South Carolina.  About 2,000 to 4,000 live on Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island has been home to a number of alligators who were larger than 12 feet and weighed over 1,000 pounds. One 13-foot alligator, affectionately called “Big George,” lived in the Sea Pines Resort at the south end of the Island.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this discussion about the American Alligator and will use this information as a steppingstone to learn more about them.

Next up – Did you know we have living dinosaurs on Hilton Head Island?  Look for an upcoming blog post about another fascinating animal you can find on our beaches!