BURTON, S.C. () — Beaufort County Animal Services has already reported one dog killed by an alligator this year.

Mating season, when the creatures are most aggressive, hasn’t even started. This led the county to put out an early warning, reminding folks to keep a close eye on their animals around bodies of freshwater.

Burton Wells Dog Park is only one of two public dog parks north of the broad river.

With gator season on the rise, residents are questioning why the county would leave the area nearest to the water unfenced, when gators are likely lurking underneath.

“They’re looking for food.  And I don’t want to be, and I don’t want my dog to be the food,” said Warren Disbrow of Burton, who walks his dog, Molly, around the park path with his wife, Lisa, every Sunday.

Burton Wells Dog Park, who is managed by the county, opens directly to a freshwater pond. The Disbrow’s said they’ve spotted multiple gators in the waters from time to time.

“I’ve seen everything from small ones up to six feet. Six foot is not that big, but definitely would take her in,” Warren said in reference to his dog, Molly.  

The Disbrow’s said they used to let Molly loose inside the dog park, but they stopped after some close encounters with gators near the edge of the water.

“A couple of times we’ve had before with other dogs that are splashing, gators come up, and we’re going to have to get the dogs out of there,” said Warren. “All it takes is one shot, and the dog is gone.”

They said gators attacks are something they hear of every year in the Lowcountry, so the park built open to the water feels like they’re “waving bait in the gators’ face.”

“There definitely needs to be some fencing put around it. It would have to be much bigger than this (the current fence) because it’s going to be a good deterrent, but it’s not going to stop an alligator,” said Lisa. “If he wants to get at a dog, he’s going to climb that fence. But at least we’d have some advance warning of that.”

Beaufort County said they don’t currently have plans to fence in the area of the dog park. However, they said they may reconsider it in the future, as they’re always looking for ways to improve their parks and facilities for the enjoyment of citizens.  

Click here for tips on how to keep yourself, and your pets safe during alligator season.