Alligator safety awareness

A morning of yard work turned into a harrowing ordeal for Marian and Joseph Roeser when an 8.5-foot alligator attacked Joseph in their backyard. Marian’s quick thinking and bravery are credited with saving her husband’s life.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. April 9th near the Roesers’ home in the Sun City Hilton Head community. Joseph, 84, was spreading mulch with his back to a nearby pond when the alligator lunged and bit his leg. Hearing his yells, Marian grabbed a tomato stake and struck the alligator repeatedly.

“I just grabbed the closest thing I could find  [ a tomato stake ] and started attacking the alligator’s eyes and head,” Marian said, according to a Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office report.

Authorities were first notified when Marian called 911, urgently reporting, “My husband has just been attacked by an alligator.” She added, “The alligator had him by the arm. I poked him in the eye [with the tomato stake] and he finally let go.”

Thanks to his wife’s rapid response, Joseph escaped with non-life-threatening injuries, including wounds to his leg and arm and abrasions to his head. He was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment.

The alligator was later captured and euthanized by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) due to its aggressive behavior.

Alligator activity increases in spring
Wildlife officials warn that alligator activity rises during the spring months, particularly in April as courtship begins and into May and June during peak mating season.

As residential development expands into natural habitats, human-alligator encounters are becoming more common. Alligators exposed to people — especially those fed or harassed — can lose their instinct to avoid humans, increasing the risk of dangerous interactions.

The SCDNR advises residents to exercise caution near bodies of water. Safety tips include maintaining a safe distance from pond and lagoon edges, never feeding alligators, keeping pets on a leash and away from water, remaining vigilant during dawn and dusk, and, if attacked, fighting back by targeting an alligator’s eyes and snout.

Proposed legislation focuses on public safety
In response to growing concerns, South Carolina lawmakers are considering new legislation to strengthen alligator management practices.

On April 2nd, 2025, Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Horry, introduced a bill that would amend the state’s wildlife code by adding Sections 50-15-550 and 50-15-555. The measure aims to streamline the reporting and removal of nuisance alligators in populated areas.

Under the proposal, SCDNR would be required to provide a standardized form for residents to report nuisance alligators, investigate all complaints using set criteria, and authorize licensed nuisance alligator hunters to remove aggressive animals when necessary.

The bill defines a nuisance alligator as one posing a direct threat to human life or property, exhibiting behaviors such as aggression, refusal to retreat, or wandering far from water bodies.

Relocation would be prioritized, but humane euthanasia would be permitted when necessary. All removals would require documentation and SCDNR oversight. The legislation also proposes expanding authority for hunting and removal year-round, including on private land, when public safety is at risk.

“This legislation is about improving public response and ensuring safety without harming the species as a whole,” an SCDNR official said.
The act would take effect upon approval by the governor. Read the full bill at https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/532.htm.

Community awareness urged
The Roesers’ experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of alligator safety in coastal South Carolina communities. Though attacks remain rare, of the six fatal alligator incidents reported in South Carolina over the past decade, three occurred in Beaufort County.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to report aggressive alligator behavior to the SCDNR. For more information on alligator safety and to report sightings, visit https://www.dnr.sc.gov.