Alligators are extremely common along the coast of the Southeast, and they don’t always confine themselves to standing water; they can venture out into creeks, rivers, even out onto the beach. In fact, you can find alligators in almost any body of water along the state’s Coastal Plane.
Are there alligators in South Carolina rivers?
Alligators occupy a variety of wetland habitats in South Carolina. They normally are found in marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and lakes in the wild, but also have been found in ditches, neighborhoods, drainage canals, retention ponds, roadways, golf course ponds and sometimes in swimming pools.
What part of South Carolina does not have alligators?
For the most part, the Upstate is spared from South Carolina reptile nuisances. The line is drawn south of the Lakelands, between the border of Aiken and Edgefield counties, and continues south of Saluda, Newberry, Fairfield and Lancaster counties. Still, alligators pop up in the Upstate every once in a while.
Where are alligators most common in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, American alligators make extensive use of the state’s coastal marshlands, with the ACE Basin being one of the most important nesting areas. High quality alligator habitat found on the coast was created as a result of wetland alteration during the rice-growing era.
Do you have to worry about alligators in South Carolina?
Never feed alligators. Not only is it illegal in South Carolina to feed alligators, it also teaches them to associate people with food. This can cause alligators to lose their natural fear of humans. Also, don’t dispose of fish scraps or crab bait in the water at boat ramps, docks, swimming, or camping areas.
Are South Carolina lakes safe to swim in?
South Carolina lakes and rivers are great places to cool off and relax with friends and family. As with any outdoor activity, you should always be safe when swimming in natural waters.
What lakes in SC have alligators?
Discover the Most Alligator Infested Lakes in South Carolina.
Not just the infested lakes but also those regions with frequent alligator sightings and confirmed alligator populations.
- Lake Marion. Lake Marion covers about 110,600 acres (447.6 km²) of water.
- Lake Moultrie.
- Hilton Head Island.
- Charleston.
Do alligators live in Myrtle Beach?
If you are new to the area and not familiar with them, alligators can be quite startling. Many of these dinosaur-looking reptiles call the Myrtle Beach area home, so it is important that newcomers and visitors learn about them and understand how to stay safe around them.
How common are alligators in South Carolina?
approximately 100,000 alligators
South Carolina is estimated to house approximately 100,000 alligators, and most of them call the Lowcountry home. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, alligators are federally classified as “threatened due to similarity of appearance” to other endangered crocodilians.
What counties in South Carolina have alligators?
Alligator Hunting Season Management Units
| Unit 1 – Southern Coastal Counties | Unit 2 – Middle Coast Counties ** | Unit 3 – Midlands Counties * |
|---|---|---|
| Aiken | Berkeley | Calhoun |
| Allendale | Charleston | Clarendon |
| Bamberg | Dorchester | Kershaw |
| Barnwell | Lexington |
Are there crocodiles in SC?
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian native to South Carolina. Though once listed as a federally endangered species, populations have rebounded and the alligator’s status has been upgraded to threatened due to its similarity of appearance to the threatened American crocodile.
Are there alligators in Charleston Harbor?
They are quite common in the Charleston area hanging-out in rivers, marshes, ponds, canals and even in golf course lakes.
Which state has the most alligators?
Louisiana has the largest alligator population. The majority of American alligators inhabit Florida and Louisiana, with over a million alligators in each state. Southern Florida is the only place where both alligators and crocodiles live side by side. A small population is also found in Tamaulipas, in Mexico.
How do you tell if there is an alligator in the water?
How to Find an Alligator in the Water
- Scour the Shore. Surprisingly, one of the best ways to tell if an alligator is in the water is by starting your search along the water’s edge.
- Check Shallow, Weedy Areas.
- Listen for Hissing.
Can I shoot an alligator on my property in South Carolina?
Only alligators 4 feet or greater in length may be taken and the hunter must tag the animal immediately with a harvest tag provided by the SCDNR for any of the alligator hunting programs.
Are alligators attracted to splashing?
To an alligator, a splash potentially means a food source is in the water. It is best to avoid swimming in areas that are known habitats for large alligators but at the least, never swim alone. Always be careful around water. Splashing can attract alligators that think a prey animal is injured.
Does Greenville SC have alligators?
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Two men made an unsuspected catch at the lake Monday morning – a 12-foot, 9-inch alligator weighing 603 pounds!
Are there alligators in the Edisto River?
Alligators. Alligators love the swamps and marshland of the lowcountry. They also love the black waters of the Edisto River. That said, alligators are a part of the lowcountry and are seen regularly by those who enjoy outdoor activities and watersports, but they rarely cause a problem.
Is South Carolina a nice state to live?
South Carolina is a good state to live in or retire to because its climate is mild, and the state is, overall, affordable. A survey by Retirement Living has ranked South Carolina as the #4 best state to retire to. South Carolina has a lower cost of living and some beautiful beaches that are warm practically year-round.
Are there alligators in the May River SC?
At any time of the year, alligators can live in any of the aquatic habitats here in the state, Grosse said. Although Grosse said he wasn’t sure about reports of gators in the May River, he said “it’s very likely they use it at different times of the year.
Where can I see alligators in South Carolina?
6 Not-So-Scary Ways to See Alligators in SC
- Edisto Island Serpentarium.
- Old Santee Canal Park.
- South Carolina Aquarium.
- Huntington Beach State Park.
- Alligator Adventure.