Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a premier tourist destination, celebrated for its expansive beaches and subtropical climate. Millions of visitors are drawn to the area’s coastal attractions each year. However, the region is also defined by a diverse and sprawling ecosystem of freshwater wetlands, rivers, and marshes that extend inland from the coastline. This natural environment supports a variety of native wildlife, including large reptiles that inhabit the warmer southeastern United States.
Confirmation of Presence and Typical Habitats
The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a native and common resident of the South Carolina coastal plain. These large reptiles are found throughout Horry County, which encompasses Myrtle Beach, existing in environments that provide the necessary freshwater resources.
They prefer quiet, slow-moving bodies of water such as swamps, freshwater canals, and marsh impoundments. Alligators are frequently observed in residential and golf course ponds, as these man-made water features often mimic their natural wetland habitats.
They are primarily tied to freshwater systems, though they can tolerate brackish water for short periods. It is uncommon to find an alligator in the ocean surf, as they lack the physiological adaptations of crocodiles to effectively excrete salt. Their presence is a normal part of the local ecosystem, mainly confined to inland waterways and the edges of ponds.
Understanding Alligator Movement and Activity
Alligator activity is governed by external temperatures, as they are ectotherms that rely on their environment for body heat regulation. They become more active during the warmer months, typically from spring through early fall, when temperatures are ideal for foraging and digestion. In cooler weather, they enter a state of reduced activity known as brumation, often remaining submerged or sheltered in dens along the banks.
Diurnal movement involves basking, where alligators emerge from the water to lie in the sun near the water’s edge to raise their body temperature. They are most active during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk, which are prime times for hunting.
Movement across land may increase during the breeding season, which begins with courtship in April and leads to breeding in late May and early June. Females construct mound nests to lay eggs in June or July, and this nesting period can prompt increased defensive behavior.
Safety Guidelines for Residents and Visitors
Coexisting safely with alligators requires maintaining a respectful distance and understanding preventative measures. It is strictly prohibited to feed alligators, as this causes them to lose their natural wariness of people, leading them to associate humans with food. Visitors and residents should maintain a minimum distance of 60 feet from any alligator, especially those basking on banks.
Pet owners should be cautious, keeping dogs and other small animals leashed and away from the edges of ponds, marshes, and canals. Pets can resemble the alligators’ natural prey, making them vulnerable near the water.
Never approach a nest or a group of small, striped hatchlings, since the mother will aggressively protect her young. Concerns about alligators that have become habituated to humans or are in inappropriate public areas should be reported to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).