News Summary

The Beaufort County Public Facilities Committee has approved a new policy to prohibit feeding wildlife at Hilton Head Island Airport, potentially leading to the eviction of a cat colony. This decision follows wildlife concerns from a recent FAA inspection. If endorsed by the county council, trapping and relocation of four cats, including a beloved tuxedo named ‘Friday,’ may take place. Community members have expressed their support for Friday, even signing a petition to save him as the council prepares to make its final decision.

Hilton Head Island Committee Moves to Evict Airport Cat Colony

A proposed policy to prohibit feeding wildlife on Hilton Head Island Airport grounds has gained approval from the Beaufort County Public Facilities Committee. This action is in response to wildlife concerns raised during a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspection of the airport.

If the policy is endorsed by the Beaufort County Council, it will lead to the trapping and relocation of four cats currently residing near the airport parking lot. The council is slated to make a decision regarding the cats on either March 24 or April 14.

Key Policy Points

• The policy aims to conform to nationwide wildlife management measures intended to reduce wildlife strikes with aircraft.
• Feeding of the cats has been a common practice among airport employees, leading to notable community support for their continued presence.

Community Reaction

One cat, a black-and-white tuxedo named “Friday,” has garnered particular affection among staff and visitors. An online petition titled “Save Friday the Cat!!!” has accumulated 1,681 signatures as of March 17, opposing the policy.

Friday is viewed as an emotional support animal by many employees, with one showing interest in adopting him. The other three cats are slated for relocation to the All About Cats sanctuary, located just north of the airport.

Reasons Behind the Policy

The proposed policy stems from observations of wildlife during inspections, aiming to avert potential wildlife strikes caused by feeding that attracts birds to the airport. If enacted, Beaufort County Animal Services and Hilton Head Humane Society will assist in the process of trapping and relocating the cats.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Council Faces Leadership Changes and Transparency Issues
Home Care Services for Seniors in Beaufort County
Hilton Head Island Airport’s Cat Colony Faces Relocation Threat
Unique Valentine’s Day Celebrations in South Carolina’s Lowcountry
Hilton Head Airport’s No-Feeding Policy Threatens Local Cat Colony

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Committee Moves to Evict Airport Cat Colony
• Wikipedia: Wildlife Management
• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Airport Cat Colony Policy
• Google Search: Hilton Head Airport wildlife management
• Post and Courier: Hilton Head Airport Cats
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildlife Strike
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Hurricane Milton Travel Alert
• Google News: Hilton Head Airport cat policy