Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2019

53 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestOfMP.com feature T he beauty and charm of the Lowcountry draws visitors from near and far. Many residents take respite from the stifling heat and humidity to cooler vacation getaways, always returning home to the sound of the ocean and smell of the salt marsh. Oftentimes, visitors have made the transition to full-time residents with the added allure of the steady, consistent economic and business-development growth. New and enhanced business brings new opportunities, new people, new development, as well as new challenges. … One such challenge is the coexistence with one of the oldest predators on the continent: the American alligator. What draws alligators to a particular area, and how did we get into their space? The increase in growth, construction and development has driven humans into close proximity to these amazing animals. The attractive ponds that draw eager real estate purchasers to Lowcountry neighborhoods also attracts old Mr. Alligator and company. Mount Pleasant is full of these neighborhoods that are appealing to both the human and the gator: Both like living on and near water surrounded with lush, green vegetation. These environments are ideal for the alligator, as there is an abundance of small animals such as fish, crustaceans, birds and rodents to provide a steady food supply. Tragically, domestic pets such as cats and dogs can sometimes be seen as food as well. As the alligator has adapted to its crowded habitat to survive, so have the people who reside in those communities through state laws and defined HOA guidelines and protocols regarding “nuisance” alligators. When are alligators considered a nuisance? Nuisance alligators can be defined as any alligator that presents a significant safety risk to the public, typically those that have lost their natural instinct to avoid human contact. This normally occurs as a result of being fed by humans. According to seasoned local alligator hunter, Matt BY MICHAEL COCHRAN A ‘Pleasant’ Place for Gators ADAPTING TO OUR NEIGHBORS Photo by Michael Cochran.