Why did the alligator cross the road? Blame Tropical Storm Debby

In the southern United States, alligators are commonly found living near neighborhoods, roads, and golf courses. Recently, Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rain to South Carolina, causing alligators and catfish to explore new areas, including puddles, backyard pools, and even roads. A viral video captured the moment when Robert Moose Rini observed an alligator casually crossing a busy road on Hilton Head Island. He expressed his surprise by saying, 'Imagine walking around the corner and seeing that sucker. ' This situation highlights a common fear that arises during hurricane season: the possibility of encountering wild animals in unexpected places. While fake images of alligators have gained popularity and even earned a Wikipedia page, the reality of alligators appearing in backyards is a genuine concern for many residents in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Wildlife experts explain that alligators typically do not wander far from their natural habitats. They prefer freshwater environments and often seek shelter by burrowing down when they sense a storm approaching. However, it is not unusual to spot alligators and other wetland creatures in areas where human developments, such as golf courses, are adjacent to freshwater ponds, rivers, and wetlands. This summer, two storms, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto, were responsible for pushing nearly 200 crocodiles into more populated regions in Tamaulipas, a Mexican state bordering Texas. In South Carolina, several videos have surfaced showing alligators making appearances on roads. One woman on Hilton Head reported looking out her window to find a small alligator enjoying her pool. Mr. Rini, a real estate agent in South Carolina, has lived on Hilton Head since 1981. He notes that residents try to avoid the lagoons where alligators reside, but these reptiles can be difficult to spot among the foliage and murky waters, especially after storms. He remarked, 'They don’t bug you if you don’t bug them. But if they’re there, you know - they’re wild animals. They’re unpredictable. ' He often has to caution newcomers, especially those with dogs and young children, about the presence of alligators. The fear of alligators is prevalent across the coastal South due to their size, powerful jaws, and ancient appearance. Female alligators can reach lengths of around 10 feet, while males can grow even larger. Although they primarily feed on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, alligators will snap their jaws at anything that comes too close. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warns that even in neighborhoods where residents have learned to coexist with alligators, 'the potential for conflict always exists. ' The fear of alligators has even inspired horror movies, such as Crawl, which depicts a father and daughter battling a group of aggressive alligators that invade their home during a hurricane flood. However, experts emphasize that if people treat alligators with caution and leave them alone, these creatures tend to keep to themselves. In fact, humans can pose a greater threat to alligators, which are a protected species. Drivers sometimes accidentally hit alligators while navigating wet roads, and the reptiles can also become trapped and die in storm drains and other infrastructure. Most alligators are simply searching for a safe place to ride out the storm, according to Matt Kraycar, owner of K&K Wildlife Services. He stated, 'They’re going to go back to where the food is and where they feel comfortable. ' Alligators are not the only animals wandering due to the storm. Other creatures are also appearing in unusual locations. After Debby's landfall, several videos showed a species known as the 'snakehead' swimming in driveway puddles in Florida and South Carolina. This fish, which is native to Southeast Asia, is considered invasive and unwanted. Experts warn that the biggest animal-related risk to humans in floodwaters comes from snakes.