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.

Charleston area residents typically don't fear them but some tourists think that alligators just lie and wait to eat children and pets which isn't true. Although there have been recorded cases of alligators attacking people, generally they are shy animals and try to avoid humans.

According to the State of South Carolina, there about 750 alligator complaints investigated throughout South Carolina each season. Of those, more than half involve alligators less than 5 feet long that weigh about 22 pounds. Alligators of this size feed on crawfish, aquatic insects, small snakes, frogs and turtles.

In South Carolina, adult alligators can become quite large at about 13 feet long. If you see an alligator just keep your distance and enjoy the sight of these reptiles that are closely related to prehistoric dinosaurs.

For Your Safety.....

1. Don't approach alligators. Keep a safe distance.

2. Do not feed an alligator. 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.

3. Keep your pets and children away from alligators. Gators don't distinguish between domestic pets and natural food sources. With its natural instincts, an alligator could try and feed on a pet if given the chance.

4. Do not swim in areas known to be inhabited by alligators. Splashing can attract alligators thinking there is an injured prey.

5. Never approach a baby alligator. They may seem cute, but its mother may be close by and her instinct is to protect her young.

Again......enjoy the experience of seeing these fascinating creatures as part of the natural beauty of the South Carolina area. But always stay a safe distance away.

Our visitors often use misspellings and abbreviations for Charleston,
South Carolina including Charlston, Carlina, SC, So Carolina, So Car. Users
also use Low Country or Lowcountry to describe Charleston.
Those words are included for user convenience.