By far our most popular question and the answer is… yes. Alligators do live in the river but they are rarely seen on the upper part of the Waccamaw River where our Outpost and River Island is located.
Are there alligators in Conway SC?
Occasionally, they meet over a meal. An SCDNR sign warns against feeding alligators in a Conway-area neighborhood pond.
What part of South Carolina has no 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.
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.
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).
Is it safe to swim in the Waccamaw River?
coli levels in the Waccamaw River are overall low, E. coli levels can change at any time and frequently increase after rain events.
What Lake has the most alligators in South Carolina?
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.
What lake in SC has no alligators?
Also in 2021, the state parks department said there were no alligators at Lake Murray.
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 go in saltwater in South Carolina?
American alligators in South Carolina live in ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and swamps. While primarily freshwater animals, they can also venture into brackish salt water.
Are there alligators in South Carolina rivers?
Alligators can get up to 14 feet long and weigh 1,000 pounds in South Carolina, according to state officials. The reptiles are found mostly in a diverse series of habitats along the Coastal Plain, including tidal marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes, Clemson University officials said in a report.
How common is it to see an alligator in South Carolina?
Hilton Head Island, S.C. Alligators are a common sight in the Lowcountry, if you are near a body of fresh or brackish water you are very likely to see one. That is why anytime you are around a body of water you should be cautious and aware, you never know if an alligator is near.
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 |
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
Can alligators bite underwater?
Crocodilians have a special valve at the back of their throat (a palatal valve) which stops water from entering the throat. This means that any crocodilian species can open its mouth and bite even when submerged, and the majority of crocodilian attacks occur this way.
What is the farthest north an alligator has been found?
North Carolina
American alligators can be found in the coastal wetlands of the U.S. Southeast, as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. Their range extends down to southern Florida and includes the Everglades.
Are there Gators on the Waccamaw River?
yes. Alligators do live in the river but they are rarely seen on the upper part of the Waccamaw River where our Outpost and River Island is located.
Are there dolphins in the Waccamaw River?
“It’s not unusual, but it’s also not common,” said Young of the river dolphins. “They will periodically travel into fresh water and sometimes go up into the waterway.”
Is the Waccamaw River clean?
Considered one of the finest blackwater rivers in the Southeast, the Waccamaw River provides residents, visitors, and local businesses with clean drinking water, flood protection, scenic landscapes, diverse plants and wildlife, and outstanding recreation.
What is the most gator infested lake?
Minnesota calls itself the land of lakes with its 10,000 watery holes, but Florida has about 30,000. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine State are home to gators. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, Lake George, near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has the most– more than 2,300.
What town has the most alligators?
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, Florida, has the highest number of alligators in one city. People in Florida have learned to share the wild with these massive predators. Southern Florida is also the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles live together.