Dear Owners,

 

It has been noted that gators have been spotted in the ponds in Longford Place.  The Board will keep an eye on said gators and their behavior.  Please understand that the alligators are a part of wildlife and should be left alone if they are not a threat.  This can be a controversial topic and we must consider all facts.  Below I have provided more information on the topic. 

 

The Department of Natural Resources no longer is involved in alligators except to issue permits to HOA's.  There is not a “move” or “relocate” policy.  They simply authorize the HOA to have them destroyed.  Your HOA would then hire a licensed company who does that as quietly as possible…

We have an informative article on our website that we ask owners to read, as well as this FAQ.

Alligators are only a hazard to people and pets when they lose their natural fear of humans by being fed, often by workmen and kids.  Alligators LOVE marshmallows, food wrappers and lunch scraps.  A licensed “trapper” that the Association uses will approach the animal to determine from much experience whether it exhibits signs of aggression or otherwise accustomed to humans and may pose a threat.  There are perhaps thousands in the area and they do move around, primarily over ground, though there is a frequent (and incorrect) assumption that they move through storm culverts.  On the contrary, they do not often enter them because they cannot turn around nor move well backwards.  We have seen that shortly after removal another animal will move into a vacant pond.  They were here for millions of years before people and most locals have a certain sentiment for them… When owners call with similar encounters or concerns we ask that they carefully consider whether this animal was really stalking a pet (or whatever the concern) and represents an unusual threat for being acclimated to humans as a source of food, or was just “walking around” or sunning before they call for its head.  If you feel that a particular animal is a threat worthy of destruction, please let us know and we will elevate the request for removal to the Association Board.  There are currently alligators that migrate from pond to pond in your community, so always be aware of your surroundings.  Remember if you ever see anyone harassing an alligator please call the local authorities.

 

Thank you,

 

 

Krista Westbury

Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA)
Community Manager
Community Management Group
349 Folly Road; Suite 2B
Charleston, SC 29412    

O:   843-795-8484 x317
F:    843-795-8482
www.CMGCharleston.com