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.
Are alligators in Lake Murray SC?
Several Lake Murray residents have reported sightings of alligators in the lake over the past few weeks . While SCDNR has received reports about the animal, they believe it is not much of a threat. They will continue to keep an eye on it in case they need to take some sort of action.
Are there alligators in upstate South Carolina?
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 .
Does South Carolina have crocodiles or alligators?
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.
What state has the most alligator attacks?
But most of them are concentrated here, in Florida . In fact, the Sunshine State is home to around 1.3 million alligators, and that’s where the majority of alligator attacks take place. The first fatal alligator attack recorded in the United States occurred in 1973 near Sarasota.
What lake in SC does not have alligators?
“DNR says Lake Murray does not have alligators.
Where do alligators live in SC?
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 part of South Carolina has alligators?
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).
Why are there no alligators in Lake Murray SC?
You’re not likely to see gators towards the Lake Murray Dam because of how deep the water is . However, if you come across an alligator, you should stay away from it. “You should keep your distance. They’re not going to run and chase you down.
What is the nicest lake in South Carolina?
- Lake Bowen. Wikimedia/NqcRz. ...
- Lake Greenwood. Google/ana galaviz. ...
- Lake Marion. Wikimedia/lempleh. ...
- Lake Jocassee. Google/Robin Mower. ...
- Lake Hartwell. Flickr/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District. ...
- Lake Murray. Google/Craig Yoho. ...
- Lake Keowee.
Are there alligators in McCormick SC?
Find your oasis on the lake in McCormick County: far enough south to have snow-free winters, yet north enough to be alligator and hurricane-free. A tapestry woven with scenic hiking trails, waterways, golf courses, state parks and innumerable outdoor activities, McCormick’s slogan is “the natural pace of life.”
Are there alligator gar in South Carolina?
Getting to South Carolina
A single alligator gar was retrieved in Lake Wateree, a South Carolina reservoir . This occurred in the summer of 2010. The lone alligator gar was believed to have arrived in South Carolina after being released from a private aquarium.
How do you stop alligators in South Carolina?
- Don’t feed alligators. ...
- Keep your distance. ...
- Do not attempt to move alligators out of the road. ...
- It is illegal to harass or throw things at alligators. ...
- Never disturb nests or small alligators.
Does Charleston South Carolina have alligators?
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 .
What states are alligators found in?
American alligators are found in the southeast United States: all of Florida and Louisiana; the southern parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi; coastal South and North Carolina; East Texas, the southeast corner of Oklahoma, and the southern tip of Arkansas.
Are there alligators in the Catawba River?
Alligators are found naturally in South Carolina’s portion of the Catawba River , called the Wateree River, but only as it gets closer to the coast. It’s illegal to keep alligators in North Carolina without a permit.
Are there alligators in Parris Island?
The Legends Golf Course on Parris Island is home to a 12-foot gator known as “Fred,” said head golf professional Andy Hinson. He doesn’t believe the gator Zimmer’s group encountered was Fred, noting that Fred is fatter and with different colors.
How do you scare an alligator away?
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.
Can an alligator bite you 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.
Will an alligator eat a human?
Alligators rarely eat people . The big gators may eat a whole person in some cases, but this doesn’t often happen since people are not their primary prey. If an alligator is hungry enough, it may injure or bite off a part of the human body, but it will likely not eat the whole person.
Does Greenville South Carolina have alligators?
Greetings to our Greenville Gator! For the first time in over two years, the Greenville Zoo will be home to an American alligator . Our new 12 foot long, 500 pound male alligator is now on exhibit! Let’s give our newest scaly resident a warm welcome this weekend by stopping by the Greenville Zoo.
What happens if Lake Murray dam breaks?
Emergency Management Division, says a failure of the Lake Murray dam would create “ an overwhelmingly catastrophic situation .” Indeed, while the avalanche wouldn’t necessarily wipe Columbia off the map, it would cause damage comparable to some of the worst floods in the history of the United States.
Do alligators live in Lake Norman?
The species was not known to exist in either Lake Norman or the Catawba River. Late in 2000, reports of alligators in Lake Norman began to surface . Later that year, video of a 5-6′ alligator in Lake Norman was released to the local news. Two different alligators were spotted in the lake.
What is the biggest alligator in South Carolina?
The biggest South Carolina gator ever brought into the shop was 13 feet, 9 inches .
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.
Are alligators protected in SC?
Alligators are federally classified as “threatened due to similarity of appearance” to other endangered crocodilians. The classification provides federal protection for alligators but allows state-approved programs for management and control .
