13. Learn About Our Wildlife

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As you explore the endless array of outdoor activities on Hilton Head Island, you are sure to come across the natural inhabitants. Winged, feathered, scaled or furred, they are all impressive and enjoyable to observe, but require the utmost respect as you come upon their terrain.

Several rules of engagement exist to ensure a pleasant experience for all.

Alligators:

Alligators

If you come across our most famous creature, the American alligator, do not feed or harass it. They are wild animals and can outrun a small dog or child. You may see them sunbathing on the banks of ponds and lagoons, or even making the rare appearance on our roads or sandy beaches. These large reptiles demand and deserve respectful distance.

Birds

Hilton Head is the place to be for bird watchers. You can observe both shore birds and inland birds. Shorebirds, with their long skinny legs for walking through the tides and long beaks for capturing fresh fish, are entertaining and remarkable to watch. You’ll find brown pelican, ibis, wood stork, egret, osprey and more walking on the shores, marshes and greenways.

Deer

While driving through the resort plantations or teeing off on a golf course, you may very well run into the most over-populated island inhabitant—the white-tailed deer. Due to increased inbreeding of these island animals, these deer only grow to be 130 to 200 pounds and three to four feet tall. They can however, bounce away from prey or in front of your car at a speed of 28 miles per hour. Keep a lookout when driving at night along the moonlit streets.

Dolphins

As you adventure out on the waters of Hilton Head, you’re sure to make friends with the Island’s friendliest mammal, the bottle-nosed dolphin. However, keep in mind that the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strictly prohibits the feeding, touching and harassment of dolphins and other marine animals. Resist the urge to pat their heads or throw them a bite to eat. If reported, civil or criminal penalties could be imposed.

Loggerhead Turtles

Between early May and late August the Lowcountry’s beaches are prime nesting areas for the endangered loggerhead turtle. In 2015 there were 325 turtle nests on Hilton Head’s beaches. Strict laws protect these beautiful giants and their nests found along the ocean’s shore; Hilton Head has an ordinance banning lights on the beach after 10:00 p.m. between May 1 to October 31 to avoid confusing the baby turtles as they make their first mad dash to the ocean.  If you happen to come across a nest, do not touch it; do not leave beach accessories (such as umbrellas and chairs) on the beach overnight; and fill in all holes from digging and building sand castles; then contact the Hilton Head Sea Turtle Patrol (843-338-2716), the Town of Hilton Head (weekdays, 843-341-4690) or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Hotline (800-922-5431). They will answer any questions. Fines and jail time can be enforced upon those who disrupt the nests of these endangered species.

Manatees

Sometimes referred to as sea cows, manatees make their way from Florida to Hilton Head’s waters every summer, arriving in June and staying through September or October. Like dolphins and loggerhead turtles, manatees are protected under federal and state laws. As such, it is illegal to hunt or harass these gentle giants. Doing anything that encourages them to approach humans (such as touching, watering, feeding) puts them in danger of being hit, hurt or killed by boats, or even getting caught in fishing nets. You could incur a fine of up to $100,000 and a year in jail, according to the federal Marine Animal Protection Act.

For more information, contact:

Bluewater Adventure HHI (843-422-9119)

Coastal Discovery Museum (843-689-6767)

Commander Zodiac  (843-671-3344)

 

 

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