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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 7
Alligators and Snakes on Kiawah – Oh My!
K E E P Y O U R D I S TA N C E F R O M T H E S E W A R M - W E AT H E R V I S I T O R S
INSIDE THE CONNECTION
Animal Society wants county to pay its fair share BY BRIAN SHERMAN For The Island Connection
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can be seen in almost all of the 150 brackish and freshwater ponds which are interspersed throughout the island.” And for snakes: “Snakes fear people and will retreat when approached unless cornered. As the weather warms, you may see more snakes as you move through the island.” It’s important to note, however, that Kiawah was intentionally developed to integrate closely with nature, including native wildlife like alligators and snakes. The newsletter stated: “Snakes are likely the most misunderstood animals (continued on page 3) on Kiawah
relationship with the county. We all know our community needs have changed over the years,” Elmore said. “I’m optimistic we can get a contract that brings this all up to date. It needs to be a fair and full contract for the humane disposition of animals. I’m optimistic we will work this out.” Elmore said three types of animals have a temporary home at the Animal Society’s headquarters in North Charleston or in foster homes: those that are brought in by animal control officers, dropped off by individuals or surrendered by their owners for one reason or another. “Whoever pays for what animals doesn’t matter,” Elmore said. “As the vendor, we just need to be paid fairly and fully so we can (continued on page 3)
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For The Island Connection
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S T O R Y O N PA G E 4
he human population of Charleston County is exploding, and, as a result, the area’s pet population is growing at a rapid rate as well. Unfortunately, according to the president and CEO of the first animal protection organization in South Carolina, the county has not been paying its fair share of the cost of supporting the mission of the Charleston Animal Society. Joe Elmore pointed out that the Animal Society’s overhead in the past fiscal year reached $4.5 million and that the county contributed less than half of that – $2.1 million – to the organization’s budget. He said up until 2019, the county assumed its financial obligation. “We’ve had a longstanding
BY THERESA STRATFORD ife on Kiawah Island comes with the reality of an occasional chance encounter with native wildlife. Many encounters with wildlife are pleasant and welcomed, but then there are also dangerous encounters that visitors and residents need to be aware of — most commonly, alligators and snakes. The Town of Kiawah Island recently put out a warning in their newsletter about the constant awareness, respect and caution that visitors and residents need to have toward these animals. The warning read, “Alligators
JUNE 30, 2023
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