WILDLIFE ON KIAWAH ISLAND
News and Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Town of Kiawah Island
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166
Answers can be found below to many of the common questions we receive from residents and visitors regarding wildlife on Kiawah Island.
If you have a question that isn't listed, please email us and we will do our best to answer it for you.
Are bobcats a threat to people?
No. Bobcats on Kiawah Island are very visible and at times seem to show little concern for the
presence of people. Despite this, they do not pose a real threat to humans. There are occassional reports of bobcat-human
incidents but these almost always involve special circumstances, i.e. a turkey hunter hididng at the base of a tree making turkey
calls or a person intervening in an altercation between a bobcat and domestic pet.
There is an abandoned fawn in
my yard, what should I do?
Nothing. The fawn is not abandoned but has been intentionally left in that spot by
the doe. Fawns will lie quietly for hours until the doe returns to allow them to nurse. Fawns are scent-free
during their first few weeks of life which allows them to remain relatively safe from predators if they lie still. The doe stays
away to keep her scent and movements from drawing the attention of predators. If you encounter a fawn, do not approach
or touch it. Any interaction with humans greatly increases the chance of the fawn being killed or injured.
Not likely. Raccoons are considered nocturnal but will move about during daylight hours if food is scarce. Many times, raccoons seen during daylight hours are females that are out foraging to feed their growing offspring. They need to eat a lot to offset the demands of nursing and raising young. Raccoons certainly do get sick, mainly from canine distemper, and these animals are typically very lethargic, have a crusty nose and eyes, and are in very poor body condition. These animals should be reported to Town Hall (768-9166) or KICA Security (768-5566).
I saw a raccoon out during the day, is it rabid?
Not likely. Raccoons are considered nocturnal but will move about during daylight hours if food is scarce. Many times, raccoons seen during daylight hours are females that are out foraging to feed their growing offspring. They need to eat a lot to offset the demands of nursing and raising young. Raccoons certainly do get sick, mainly from canine distemper, and these animals are typically very lethargic, have a crusty nose and eyes, and are in very poor body condition. These animals should be reported to Town Hall (768-9166) or KICA Security (768-5566).
When and where
can my dog be off leash on Kiawah Island?
Dogs must be on leash on all of Kiawah Island year round, except for 2 areas on the beach.
The first dog use area extends from Beachwalker County Park for 1,000 yards to the west (towards Captain Sam's inlet). The second
dog use area is located between the Beach Club and the Ocean Course pedestrian beach access. Both ends of the island are designated
as critical wildlife habitat and dogs are not allowed in these areas at any time. View map of beachfront dog leash areas.
How
many deer live on Kiawah Island?
Town Biologists conduct biannual spotlight surveys for deer. Based on these surveys,
we estimate there are 400-500 deer on Kiawah Island and that the population is stable around 50 deer per square mile.
How
many alligators live on Kiawah Island?
Town Biologists, in conjuction with KICA Lakes staff, conduct annual alligator surveys.
Based on these surveys, we estimate there are 600-700 alligators on Kiawah Island and that the population is fairly stable.
How
do I report an aggressive alligator?
If you encounter an alligator that you believe is aggressive, please call Town Hall (768-9166)
during normal business hours or call KICA Security at all other times (768-5566). Biologists will investigate all reports and
determine whether or not the alligator fits the definition of a "nuisance" alligator. If it does, it will be removed in accordance
with SCDNR protocals. An alligator that is sunning along a pond edge in a yard is not a nuisance alligator.
I saw dead
fish floating in a pond, what should I do?
If you see dead fish in a pond, please report it to the KICA Lakes Department (768-2315)
on weekdays from 7am-3pm. At all other times, please call KICA Security (768-5566).
I found an injured bird, what should
I do?
Injured birds on land should be reported to Town Hall (768-9166) during normal business hours or to Night Heron Park (768-6001). In
most cases, there is little we can do for the bird but we will do everything we can.
I saw an alligator out of the
water, what should I do?
Alligators bask almost daily on the edges of ponds to regulate their body temperature. It is not necessary
to report these types of alligator encounters. If an alligator is seen in a roadway, driveway, or bike path, please call KICA
Security (768-5566).
Are there cougars (mountain lions, panthers) on Kiawah Island?
No. There has never been a confirmed
sighting of a cougar on Kiawah Island. We receive quite a few reports of cougars each year, but none of these reports
have ever been verified with photography, tracks, or scat. Most likely, observers are seeing large bobcats or
coyotes. In addition, most of these sightings occur at night when it is very difficult to judge size and details of
the animal in question. The nearest free-ranging population of cougars is in the Florida Everglades.
Are there
coyotes on Kiawah Island?
Yes. Several coyotes have been sighted on Kiawah Island in the last few years. Coyotes can
now be found in all counties of South Carolina. Coyotes are not native to the southeast but have moved into
South Carolina in large numbers in the last few decades. Coyotes can become habituated to people very quickly and should never
be fed or approached.