Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2019

55 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestOfMP.com feature When are grounds of removal considered? If you feel you have a nuisance alligator, check with your neighborhood homeowners’ association (if applicable) to see if they have specific protocols and procedures. Liability is a big issue. Some neighborhoods have plans in place to deal with the issue, such as an approved nuisance animal removal contractor. When in doubt, call local law enforcement or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. In the Charleston area, the Region 4 wildlife number is 843-953-5291, according to the DNR website. Once the proper authorities have been contacted and are on the scene, they will likely perform an evaluation of the situation to see if the alligator displays aggressive behavior that would warrant removal. They will assess the animal’s size and degree of aggression. If removal is recommended, there are few options available. It is illegal to transport live alligators in South Carolina because alligators, especially those that reach a length of 6 feet or more, develop a keen “homing sense,” and can return to their home if moved. Most nuisance alligators are euthanized. The South Carolina DNR highly regulates this industry and requires contractors to be trained and licensed. What types of safety strategies can we employ in dealing with alligators? According to the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, the following are tips for being safe around alligators: • Don’t feed or harass alligators. • Keep your distance. • Keep your children and pets away from alligators. • Do not disturb nests or small alligators. • Do not keep alligators as pets. • Avoid swimming in areas that are known as alligator habitats. As Mount Pleasant and the rest of the Lowcountry continue to expand, we will continue to gain more and more “alligator neighbors,” for better or worse. Residents and visitors benefit from being educated and prepared in dealing with these powerful reptiles, when to call for help and when to just let a gator be in its natural habitat. Photo courtesy of Ned Stender. s SolidMemories.net Using an advanced 3D-scanner and 3D-printers, we make customized yet affordable solid sculptures mounted on a marble pedestal gilded in gold. This is an amazing way to celebrate the special people and moments of your life. Solid Memories, LLC