South Carolina is home to a robust and widespread population of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), the state’s only native crocodilian species. These large reptiles have made a remarkable recovery since being listed as federally endangered and are now a common sight in the state’s low-lying wetlands. The warm climate and abundant water sources provide an ideal environment for these animals to thrive.
Geographical Range and Habitat
The American Alligator population is heavily concentrated within South Carolina’s Coastal Plain, also known as the Lowcountry. This region, encompassing the eastern and southern portions of the state, contains the vast network of warm, slow-moving waters alligators prefer. Alligator presence is less common in the Upstate or mountainous regions, as lower temperatures limit their ability to survive and breed. Alligators inhabit nearly any freshwater environment along the coast, including swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, retention ponds, and golf course lagoons. While primarily a freshwater species, alligators occasionally venture into brackish estuaries or salt marshes near the coast for short periods, reflecting the state’s estimated population of around 100,000 alligators.
Understanding Alligator Behavior and Activity
Alligators are ectothermic, relying on external temperatures to regulate their body heat, which influences their activity levels. They enter a state of reduced activity called brumation during the colder months (typically November through February) when temperatures drop below 55°F. During brumation, they become lethargic and are rarely seen, sometimes remaining submerged and only surfacing occasionally to breathe. Activity significantly increases as temperatures rise in the spring, peaking during the warm summer months. The spring mating season (April through June) causes increased movement as males search for mates; females construct mound nests and guard their eggs for the 65-day incubation period until hatchlings emerge in late August or September. As ambush predators, alligators are most active at night, particularly from dusk to dawn, when they hunt.
Coexisting Safely
The most important rule for safe coexistence is to never feed alligators, which is illegal in South Carolina. Feeding causes alligators to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food, leading to aggressive behavior that often necessitates the animal’s removal and euthanization. Disposal of fish scraps or bait into the water should also be avoided, as this inadvertently produces the same dangerous conditioning. Keep a distance of at least 10 to 15 feet from any alligator, and more if they show signs of stress like hissing or opening their mouth. Small children and pets should be closely supervised and kept away from the water’s edge, as alligators are opportunistic feeders that may mistake a small animal for prey. If an alligator is seen on land, never block its path to the water, which is their natural escape route. Nuisance alligators exhibiting habituated or aggressive behavior should be reported to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.