News and Information
WILDLIFE ON KIAWAH ISLAND
Town of Kiawah Island
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
HELP PROTECT WILDLIFE ON KIAWAH ISLAND
Stay out of bird nesting areas and dune environments along the beach - Kiawah's dune system and open beach areas are valuable
nesting habitat for a variety of bird species, including least terns, black simmers, Wilson's plovers, American Oystercatchers, common
ground doves, and many others. Please stay out of the dunes and avoid bird nesting areas that are marked with signage.
Walk around, not through, groups of shorebirds on the beach - Shorebirds are a very common sight along the Kiawah beachfront
where they actively forage and rest. Many shorebird species migrate great distances and stop on Kiawah's beach to feed and rest
in preparation for migration. Disturbing these birds by walking through them can prevent them from being able to prepare for
migration resulting in their deaths. Please help protect our shorebirds by taking the time to walk around groups of shorebirds
and by keeping dogs from chasing them.
Do not approach, feed or harass alligators - Alligators may seem slow and
lethargic but they are capable of great speed over short distances. Never approach within 60 feet of an alligator. Do not
intentionally feed alligators or allow them to consume crab or fishing bait. An alligator that has been fed quickly loses his
fear of humans and can be very aggressive towards people. t is against state and local law to feed or entice alligators
with food. If convicted, offending individuals can receive a $200 fine and up to 30 days in prison. It is also against the law to
harass or harm an alligator in any way. This includes throwing rocks, sticks, or any object at an alligator. If convicted, fines can
be up to $5,000 and 1 year in prison. Anyone witnessing unlawful actions against alligators should report them to the Kiawah
Island Community Association (KICA) Security immediately (768-5566).
Drive cautiously on the island especially during
dawn and dusk hours - Our island wildlife species are most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. Please use caution
as you drive around the island. Collisions with vehicles are also the leading cause of death for our island bobcats. Help
protect all our wildlife by being vigilant and slowing down when driving during these peak wildlife movement times.
Don't litter - Kiawah
island is a beautiful and clean place and we want to keep it that way! Litter not only makes the island look bad but it hurts
our environment as well. Plastic products, fishing line, and crabbing supplies are responsible for injury and death to thousands
of fish and birds each year. Keeping Kiawah clean only takes a small amount of effort from each individual. Please
do you part in ensuring the persisting beauty and cleanliness of Kiawah island.
Recycle - Residents can recycle paper, glass,
plastic, and steel cans by placing these items in their personal recycle bins for weekly pick up. Recycle bins are
available at Town Hall (768-9166). Visitors can recycle these items with the addition of cardboard by taking them to the recycling
centers located in the Town Hall Parking Lot and behind the Fire Station on Sora Rail Road.
Kiawah Island is home to a wide variety of birds, animals, and plants. The following is quick list of things you can do to help
protect our island wildlife and the environment.