Beachgoers at Georgia's Tybee Island got a rare warning to stay out of the water on Wednesday after an alligator was spotted. Lifeguards with Tybee Island Ocean Rescue posted the warning to social media just after noon, saying the 8-foot gator was seen close to shore at Polk Street. Lifeguards said the warning was in effect "until further notice."
"For your safety, avoid swimming and keep a safe distance from the water," the post said. "We are monitoring the situation and will update you when it’s safe to return to the water."
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, alligators can occasionally be found in the ocean, but they are typically freshwater animals that live in rivers, lakes, ponds, and swampy areas.
Alligators may make their way to the ocean to find another body of water during drought conditions, but they can only tolerate saltwater for a few hours or days.
If you encounter an alligator in the ocean, the SCDNR recommends giving it space and not approaching it. You should also never feed an alligator. If the alligator is a juvenile, the SCDNR will relocate it. If it is an adult and doesn't seem like a serious threat, they may take it to the nearest freshwater source. In emergencies, the SCDNR will only kill alligators that are a direct danger to people.
Alligator Spotted Again
The 8 to 10 foot alligator was spotted again on Thursday.
Ocean Hazards
"This is a reminder that our ocean is home to many unseen hazards and wildlife, including alligators, sharks, jellyfish, and other marine animals," Tybee Island Ocean Rescue said in a post on their Facebook page. "Always stay alert, be mindful of your surroundings, and respect the ocean."
Back to the Beach?
Be Safe, Be Cautious
"Please stay aware that there’s always a chance of unseen wildlife and hazards in the ocean," they posted on social media. "Always be cautious!"
