Native to the Island, alligators are often seen here, but they can be elusive during the heat of summer and the cold of winter.
Alligators will go into a semi-hibernation period during the coldest months of the year, only emerging on the sporadic warm days we receive due to Hilton Head Island’s temperate climate. When this happens, they spread out on the banks of lagoons, soaking up the sun’s warmth.
An iconic image of the Lowcountry, the American Alligator is the main attraction on the H2O Alligator and Nature Tour. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve is a wonderful place to observe these animals in their natural environment. Depending on the season, these reptiles love to bask in the sun or cool their body temperature in one of Sea Pines Forest Preserve’s five lakes.
Heat plays a major role in their bodily functions, due to the fact of their ectothermic nature (cold-blooded). Digestion and anabolic activity are all reliant on their ability to absorb and maintain body heat. If the animal has absorbed too much heat in the middle of summer, they will dive to the bottom of the lakes, burrow into the mud and slow their heart rate, as to not burn up the oxygen in their system. Alligators can stay submerged for long periods of time, and some have been known to stay underwater for over an hour.
An apex predator, the alligator’s diet consists of fish, birds and turtles. However, they are scavengers and will eat anything they can find, even something dead and decaying! Because alligators have high levels of stomach acid, they can eat food that other animals, such as humans, find fouled or contaminated. This extraordinary adaptation is a critical aspect of survival for these creatures.
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Like other reptiles, alligators do not have to eat as much as warm-blooded animals.
Depending on their environment’s temperature, alligators can go long periods without eating. However, they are also capable of taking down large animals of prey. Visitors or people unfamiliar with the alligator species should proceed with caution. They can be very dangerous to humans.
The American Alligator is a precious natural resource that at one time was considered rare and endangered. Due to conservation efforts and education of the humans, alligators have experienced a rise in numbers. They are a resource worth protecting. Humans should work in harmony with the alligators to ensure their survival for generations to come.
By Anthony R. Savarese
H2O Sports in Harbour Town is a great place to spark curiosity and inspire learning through adventure in all ages. Call 843-671-4386 fot reservations for the Alligator and Wildlife Tour or the Wine & Cheese Sunset Alligator Tour. For details on other water activities offered by H2O Sports, visit www.h2osports.com.