Alligators in South Carolina The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian native to South Carolina.Populations of alligators in South Carolina have done so well, that the DNR instituted a hunting season in 2008.
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Where are alligators found in South Carolina?
Alligators are restricted to the Coastal Plain, which includes the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia and South Carolina. In South Carolina, alligators have been recorded to reach lengths of more than 13 feet. Alligators live in swampy areas, rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.
Are there a lot of alligators in South Carolina?
Alligator population
There are roughly 100,000 alligators in South Carolina, according to SCDNR. The American alligator species is what scientists call “one of the first endangered species success stories.”
How common are alligator attacks in South Carolina?
Alligator attacks are rare in South Carolina. From 1915 to 2019, there had only been 23 reported attacks in the state, The Island Packet reported. More than half of those attacks happened in Beaufort County.
Do all lakes in South Carolina have alligators?
Columbia, SC (WLTX) – Alligators can be found around South Carolina, even right here in parts of the Midlands.Alligators may even been seen in some parts of Lake Murray. “There’s probably occasions where some alligators get into Lake Murray but for the most part, you don’t typically find them there.
Is it safe to swim in a lake with alligators?
Do not allow your dogs or children to swim in waters inhabited by alligators, or to drink or play at the water’s edge. 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.
Is it safe to swim in South Carolina Lakes?
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. Some of the rivers and streams in South Carolina have swimming advisories, letting you know that swimming there may make you sick.
Does Myrtle Beach SC have alligators?
One of the many perks to the beach and coastal region is our beautiful natural habitats and animals that reside in them. Alligators are indigenous to the Myrtle Beach area, and they typically live in our freshwater marshes and rivers, away from people.
Which state has the most alligators?
Florida
Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populations—there are more than one million wild alligators in each state.
Which state has the most alligator attacks?
Florida
Florida, which has the most human-alligator interactions, has recorded 24 deadly alligator attacks since 1948 – but 14 of those have occurred in the last 20 years, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data.
Are alligators a problem in SC?
While alligator attacks are rare in South Carolina, they are becoming more common as more humans move to alligator-populated areas. As of August, there were 23 total alligator attacks since 1915, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Are there crocodiles in Charleston SC?
There Are Alligators in Charleston South Carolina. Alligators are indigenous to the southern states including South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and even into Virginia. They are quite common in the Charleston area hanging-out in rivers, marshes, ponds, canals and even in golf course lakes.
Are alligators a problem in Charleston SC?
Data from DNR show the vast majority of documented non-fatal alligator encounters have happened in Beaufort County, which has recorded 14 since 1976. Berkeley and Charleston counties each have recorded four, and Sumter county has recorded one, records show.
How far inland do alligators live in SC?
Today, approximately 100,000 alligators occur in the state of South Carolina. Alligators are typically found south of the fall line (which roughly traverses the state from I-20 in Aiken to Kershaw County, then up U.S. Highway toward Cheraw in Chesterfield County).
Do alligators live in Greenville SC?
Range and Habitat
The American alligator is found in wetlands throughout the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. Viable alligator populations are found in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
How do you scare off an alligator?
Running away is a good option and a distance of around 20 or 30 feet is usually all it takes to get safely away from an alligator. “They are not made for running after prey,” he said. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins.
Will an alligator eat a human?
DO NOT FEED THE ALLIGATORS!
Humans are not an alligator’s natural prey. In fact, alligators are inclined to be afraid of humans.When gators associate people with food, they may start attacking people (especially smaller people). For this reason, the feeding of wild alligators in Florida is illegal.
Is it safe to kayak with alligators?
If this starts to happen, then the answer is yes, alligators can be dangerous to kayakers. This is why it is so important not to ever feed an alligator!
How big do alligators get in South Carolina?
Male alligators can grow to more than 14 feet long and 1,000 pounds. Females can exceed 10 feet and 250 pounds. The growth rate of an alligator depends on diet, temperature, and sex. To reach 6 feet in length, alligators take up to 10 years in Louisiana, 14 years in Florida, and 16 years in North Carolina.
Can you swim at Horseshoe Falls SC?
Horseshoe Falls (aka Gordons Mill Falls) are on Cedar Shoals Creek just northeast of where the creek joins the Enoree River. The 10-foot high falls have always been a popular picnic area and swimming hole for locals (read: party spot). They are now a part of the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.
Does South Carolina get alot of rain?
South Carolina, South Carolina gets 48 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. South Carolina averages 1 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
