Many visitors to Myrtle Beach wonder about large reptiles in the area. While American crocodiles are not naturally found in this region, American alligators are a common part of the local ecosystem. The warm, humid climate and abundant freshwater sources along the South Carolina coast provide an ideal environment for these native reptiles to thrive. You should expect to see alligators.
Alligators in Coastal South Carolina
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian species native to South Carolina. This large reptile is well-adapted to the southeastern United States, including coastal South Carolina. Alligators are distinguished from crocodiles by their broad, rounded snout, whereas crocodiles typically have a more pointed, V-shaped snout. When an alligator’s mouth is closed, the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw, concealing the lower teeth. This is a key difference from most crocodile species where some lower teeth remain visible.
Adult alligators typically have dark, armored skin, ranging from black to olive brown, with a paler, cream-colored underside. They can grow quite large, with males reaching up to 14.8 feet in length and weighing over 1,000 pounds, while females are somewhat smaller. Alligators play a role in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems. Their populations have recovered significantly since being listed as an endangered species.
Where Alligators Reside
Alligators are widespread across the coastal plain of South Carolina, which includes the Myrtle Beach area. They primarily inhabit freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and swamps. Golf course water hazards and retention ponds within residential and commercial developments also provide suitable habitats, offering food sources and basking spots. These reptiles are often found in slow-moving bodies of water with dense vegetation.
While alligators prefer freshwater, they can occasionally venture into brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and saltwater. Their physiology allows for limited tolerance to salinity, enabling them to explore estuaries and coastal marshes for short periods. Prolonged exposure to high salinity can be detrimental to their health, as they lack the specialized salt glands that crocodiles possess for excreting excess salt. Alligators have been sighted near beaches, especially if a freshwater source is nearby, though this is less common.
Coexisting Safely
Encountering an alligator in its natural habitat requires safe observation. Never feed alligators, as this is illegal in South Carolina and causes them to lose their natural fear of humans, leading to potentially dangerous situations. Alligators that associate people with food may approach at the sight of humans and become aggressive. Properly dispose of fish scraps and bait away from water bodies to avoid attracting alligators.
Maintain a safe distance of at least 50 to 60 feet from an alligator. Avoid swimming or allowing pets to swim in areas where alligators are known to be present, particularly during dusk and dawn when they are most active. Keep pets on leashes near water, as alligators can mistake them for prey. Avoid approaching alligator nests or young alligators, as mother alligators are protective of their offspring. If an alligator hisses, it indicates you are too close; back away slowly.