Jekyll Island is offering weekly educational courses for visitors curious about one of the main predators living at the state park — the American alligator.

Park officials say the Wednesday morning classes at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will explain alligators' habitat and lifestyle. There are also safety tips for visitors in case they run into any gators during their stay — such as keeping a safe distance, and not feeding the animals.

A recent study for the Jekyll Island Authority estimated about 125 alligators live on the island. The vast majority are believed to measure less than 6 feet in length.

Greg Skupien, a University of Georgia graduate student who helped with the study, says run-ins between people and alligators on Jekyll Island are rare.

Tags: Jekyll Island, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, alligators