Alligators
Alligators are remnants of a prehistoric era. When dinosaurs became extinct, these modern-day contemporaries of dinosaurs continued to flourish and have survived their prehistoric relatives into the 20th century.
On the Atlantic Coast, alligators can be found from Florida to coastal North Carolina. Alligators are also found in the Upper 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 evoke both fear and respect from humans. Although the alligator is a predator, its appetite includes almost anything. However, some people still delight in feeding alligators. This results in the reptiles' overcoming their natural shyness and becoming accustomed to humans. Some have become so used to humans and food handouts that they exhibit little, if any, fear of humans.
Respect the personal space of any wild animal. If an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
Please remember these important tips when in your national forest:
- Don't feed alligators. This is a most important rule. Providing food for these wild animals not only makes them bolder and encourages them to seek out people, it also alters their natural diet in an unhealthy way.
- Keep your distance. Although they may look slow and awkward, these animals are extremely powerful and can move with a startling burst of speed on land over short distances. A safe distance from an adult alligator is about 60 feet.
- Never disturb nests or small alligators. Some female alligators protect their young and may become aggressive if provoked. A baby alligator should never be captured, even if the mother is not visible. She may be watching you and decide to take action to protect her baby.
- Keep pets and children away from alligators. Large alligators do not recognize the difference between domestic pets and wild food sources. When they are hungry, alligators act on their hunting instinct and might attempt to feed on your house pet if given the opportunity.
- Don't swim in areas that are known alligator habitats. Always be careful around water. Splashing can attract alligators that think a prey animal is injured. They may act on instinct and attack. Or, a protective female may believe her young or eggs are threatened and take defensive action. Be cautious when fishing in waters with alligators, as some will not hestitate to grab a hooked fish or eat the fish on a stringer.
South Carolina does have an alligator hunting season. For more information on permits and regulations, visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.