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).
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_gBF1BuDuEM
Are there alligators inland in South Carolina?
Alligator populations gradually decline inland because habitats are seasonally flooded and prey density is reduced. American alligators are cold-blooded animals, but generally are active year round in South Carolina.
Where in South Carolina do alligators live?
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.
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 |
Do alligators go in the ocean in South Carolina?
Alligators are indigenous to the Myrtle Beach area, and they typically live in our freshwater marshes and rivers, away from people. But, every so often, it is possible that an alligator might make its way to the ocean.
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.
How far north do alligators live in SC?
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).
What lake in SC has no alligators?
Also in 2021, the state parks department said there were no alligators at Lake Murray.
What lake in South Carolina has the most alligators?
Lake Marion
However, fish aren’t the only ones you can spot in the waters of Lake Marion, as this is also the place in South Carolina where there are the most confirmed alligator populations.
Do you have to worry about alligators in South Carolina?
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), alligator attacks are exceedingly rare and the animals are usually afraid of people. Still, they are large carnivorous predators and should be respected as such.
Can you swim in lakes 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.
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.
What months are alligators active in South Carolina?
Alligators are active year around, but they are most active in the warmer months in Georgia and South Carolina. With the start of their breeding season in May, males “bellow” to females and other males in the area. By June, pairs have mated, and females begin building mound nests out of marsh reeds or other vegetation.
Are alligators a problem in Myrtle Beach?
How many people are injured or killed by alligators each year? There was a fatality in the summer of 2022 in Myrtle Beach when an alligator attacked a 75-year-old man and killed him. These attacks are rare though. Since 2000, there have been 21 people injured or killed in South Carolina by alligators.
Are there saltwater crocodiles in South Carolina?
Alligators in South Carolina
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian native to South Carolina.
Are there alligators in Folly Beach SC?
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. —
It’s not that unusual to see an alligator in South Carolina, but it’s unusual to see one hanging out on the beach. Devon Olson said he was at the Folly Beach County Park at about 7 p.m. Wednesday when he saw an alligator in the water.
Where are crocodiles in SC?
In 2008, a 6-foot American crocodile made a rare appearance outside Florida — at South Carolina’s Isle of Palms, a common spot for vacationing.
How common are alligators in South Carolina?
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 state has less alligators?
Oklahoma
The state that is probably least known for alligator populations is Oklahoma. Oklahoma is home to between 100-200 individuals, but they constitute a stable population. Most of the state gets much too cold for gators to survive the winter, but there are some small regions that allow for a small population.
Are there alligators in lakes in Greenville SC?
If you travel just a few hours south toward the coast, you may see them nesting along freshwater lakes and rivers, but not in Greenville. Each year, there are claims of residents and visitors spotting alligators in freshwater areas, but there turn out to be hoaxes or individuals who have them as pets.
Where do alligators go in the winter in South Carolina?
While cold winter days might be the perfect time for people to stay inside with a warm blanket and a nice cup of cocoa, alligators bundle up in their own way, retreating to burrows and dens under roads or in the banks of ponds and lakes, many of them under water, according to Andrew Grosse, alligator program biologist