By admin 
The Myrtle Beach area is no stranger to alligators. They are commonly spotted near bodies of water such as marshes and ponds.
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But if you see an alligator in your backyard or neighborhood, your next step depends on whether or not you live in a community with a homeowners association or property management company. If you live in an HOA, it is generally up to them, not state wildlife officials, on how to handle the reptile.
Seeing an alligator is not an immediate cause for worry, as alligators are naturally fearful of humans and will typically leave people alone if they are not disturbed.
However, some alligators will lose their fear of humans if they have been fed by humans in the past. These alligators, named nuisance alligators, may approach and cause harm to humans or property.
For people who do live in a community with an HOA or property management company, you will need to contact them first. The HOA has control over how or whether to handle nuisance alligators on its property. That includes contacting the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and allowing officials on the property to capture the alligator.
If you do not have a homeowners association or property management company overseeing your property, you should call your regional nuisance alligator coordinator, managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The phone number for the Pee Dee and Midlands nuisance alligator coordinator, which oversees Horry County and neighboring areas, is 843-546-6062.
For alligator-related emergencies, you should call the state’s Operation Game Thief at 800-922-5431.
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How to stay safe with alligators
While most alligators will leave humans alone if they are not disturbed, it is important to exercise caution if you are living around alligators.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources partners with GatorWise, an organization dedicated to educating people in the Southeast United States about alligators and how to minimize conflict with them.
In order to prevent conflicts between humans and alligators, GatorWise recommends a few basic tips:
- Always assume alligators are present
- Never feed alligators
- Do not dispose of fish or food scraps in water
- Never harass, capture or handle an alligator
- Be responsible for people and pets in your care
- Maintain awareness anytime you are in or near water.
Fatal alligator attacks are rare in South Carolina — six people have been killed by alligators in the state in the last decade.
With approximately 100,000 alligators roaming throughout the state, it is still important to always take precautions when near bodies of water or seeing an alligator.
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