This past Friday, August 14th, the POA office was notified about a juvenile alligator in a Daniel Island pond with a rope tied around its neck, as well as attempts to feed it. In addition to this illegal and cruel act on the alligator, it is also extremely dangerous for anyone to approach alligators who are predatory animals. The DIPOA’s contracted alligator specialist, Ron Russell with Gator Getters, was immediately dispatched to inspect the alligator and relieve it of the constraints.
From his experience, Ron determined that the rope around the alligators neck was not accidental, but was placed there intentionally. SCDNR was also contacted on Friday and an investigation for animal cruelty to an endangered species is ongoing.
On a federal level, a felony for harassing and cruelty to an endangered species would lead to a permanent mark on the perpetrators record as well as restitution for the alligator should it need to be removed, which could be upwards to $1,000. Additionally, on a state level, the perpetrator could face fines upwards of $10,000. Also, as all of our pond signage indicates that a “fed gator is a dead gator”. Please refrain from feeding or teasing these animals.
Ron will be back on Daniel Island to check on the alligator’s health and its risk to the public this week. We need to continue to work together to preserve our wildlife in the lowcountry.
If you know anything about this incident, please contact Chris Hamil at (843) 696-4676 or Chris.Hamil@dicommunity.org.
