Whether biking the trails, walking the beach, golfing or kayaking the waterways of the Lowcountry, always follow the golden rule, “Don’t leave a lasting impression.”
Hilton Head Island SC and the surrounding areas are home to a variety of delicate ecosystems and irreplaceable habitats. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to disrupt the natural balance of these environments. Always keeping that in mind when out and about, and following some basic rules, will help to ensure that these natural wonders will continue to thrive.
Keep your furry family member leashed. Allowing your pets to swim or run free not only endangers local wildlife, it also jeopardizes your pet. Be mindful that alligator habitats are common throughout the Lowcountry. Never leave your pet unattended. Bring pet water bowls and food dishes inside each evening to prevent unwanted nocturnal visitors.
Don’t share your meal. Refrain from feeding local wildlife. When animals associate humans with food, their natural diet and behaviors may be altered. They may become aggressive and pose a danger to humans. This could have a disastrous result for the animal. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act it is illegal to feed or harass dolphins, Fines can reach up to $100,000. The next time you are tempted to feed members of the local dolphin pod keep that in mind.
Operate in the dark. Sea turtles and their hatchlings easily confuse artificial light with the moon’s natural light. From May 1 through October 31, all outdoor lighting visible from the beach must be turned off between 10pm through 6am. If you are staying in beachfront property, in addition to turning off outdoor lighting, draw the blinds and drapes closed as well.
Go slow. Follow posted speed limit signs. Wildlife is more likely to be on the move during dawn and dusk, so be particularly vigilant. If you spot one, keep in mind they usually travel in groups, so more are sure to follow.
Up close and personal is not the way to go. Avoid close encounters and observe from a distance. Use your binoculars and camera.
Alligators. Operate on the assumption that there is an alligator in every body of water. Swimming or wading in ponds and lagoons is prohibited. Do your fishing from a dock or pier. Be mindful that alligators travel between lagoons so you may encounter them on the road, in a yard or on a golf course. Per local rules and regulations, stay a minimum of sixty feet away from an alligator.
Sea Turtles. Hilton Head Island serves as a nursery for several sea turtle species, including leatherbacks, greens and the endangered loggerhead. At the end of your day at the beach, knock down your sand castle and fill any holes on the beach. Take all your beach furniture with you (even if you are returning the following day). Sea turtles and their hatchlings need a beach free of obstacles and hazards. May through October is sea turtle nesting season. Providing strict protections and rigorously enforced, local and federal regulations impart severe penalties for handling or interfering with sea turtles, their nesting sites and hatchlings.
Marine life. When boating or paddling on the waterways, maintain a safe distance from marine life to avoid accidents or injuries. Keep a distance of at least 140 feet away from dolphins. Under federal law, the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin is protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and also by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It is illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal.
Don’t leave a lasting impression. When you leave the beach or trail, take your trash with you and dispose of it properly. If you see trash left behind by someone else, dispose of that properly as well. Take all your beach furniture, umbrellas and accessories with you. Fill in any holes in the sand. These actions will help to minimize the impact humans have on the fragile ecosystems and diverse environments of the Lowcountry. Leave only your footprints – Mother Nature will take care of those.