Cottonmouths (a type of snake) are mostly found in marshes, rivers, and other bodies of water in the state's eastern area. That was an unfortunate event for the dog and the alligator, Garner says earnestly. But, while they share many features, they couldnt be more different. Donna Campbell Smith is a Carolina Country contributing writer who lives in Franklin County. A common myth exists that alligators will attack humans above water. In 2022 there have been two deaths related to alligators in SC. Alligators have always been here, said Garner, noting that there are written accounts of alligators in North Carolina for at least the past 150 years. Alligators grow slower in North Carolina than those living further south because the weather is cooler, and the feeding season is shorter. Cloudy skies. Indicators of a rip current include choppy water flowing at an acute angle to shore, a difference in water color, lines of foam moving seaward, and a break in the wave pattern. How do you swim safely in lakes and rivers of North Carolina when there could be a 14-foot alligator swimming with you? But here is my complete Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Review! If this occurs, slowly retreat to safer waters or ground since quick movements can trigger an attack. Both parks have a beach area but there are no lifeguards on duty. Greenville Area Developments. American alligator Richard Scearce Southeastern states are where alligators typically make their homes, and North Carolina is right in the northernmost part of that area. Some populations prospered, enabling its classification to be changed to Threatened in Florida and other coastal regions such as North Carolina. This goes for most wildlife really. (Source: WECT. Greenville is the health, entertainment, and educational hub of North Carolina's Tidewater and Coastal Plain. Alligators Amphibians and Reptiles of North Carolina Snakes Turtles Lizards Alligators Frogs and Toads Salamanders Alligators Click to Learn More About Alligators of North Carolina American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis This website is supported by NCPARC NC Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Fish and Wildlife Service protected this alligator by classifying it as an endangered species. It was just the second alligator-related death in South Carolina since 1976, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. If youre out near water where alligators are known to live then just be on the lookout for their nose or eyes sticking up out of the water. They're most commonly found in the state's lakes, rivers, and swamps - basically, anywhere there's freshwater. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Their habit of digging dens into banks, ponds and lake bottoms provide other animals safe havens. So while they can survive in freshwater for short periods, they prefer saltwater and coastal environments. READ Can Dogs Eat Alligator? Second, listen for hissing, which is a warning you are too close and need to back away or leave their territory. While traditionally known for shopping and their huge selection of restaurants, there are so many other fun things to do in Ridgeland, MS that I think this town will surprise you. Like all things in nature, they are part of the circle of life. The relatively colder temperature in North Carolina cause the alligators to grow much more slowly and leaves them vulnerable to predation for larger portions of their lifespan than their counterparts in other, warmer, states. They are important to the ecosystem of the coastal wet lands. Even the best swimmers will struggle with staying above water during a storm. Although alligators are not naturally found around Greenville, many interesting facts about the American gator intrigue scientists to continue studying their behavior, impact on the environment, diet, and other aspects of the gators life. However, the American and Chinese alligators are the only two gator species on Earth. As mentioned, alligators are much timider and more scared of humans. I highly recommend vacationing at Lake Gaston. They are obviously pretty proud of their gators. | Alligators are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and amendments to the Lacey Act in 1981, and alligator relocation is also illegal. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Some of the best this town has to offer include the Swansboro Area Heritage Center Museum, Swansboro Municipal Park, Hammocks Beach State Park, and Candy Edventure. If you come across an alligator in this area, slowly move away from them and contact the authorities to move the creature to friendlier grounds. Sobek the alligator hatchling. Group: Terminal Groin Changes Merit New Study , Groups join forces to save, release cold-stunned sea turtles, Scientists dispute claims behind call for wind moratorium, EPA Secretary Regan touts PFAS funding during NC stop, Paid parking a major issue in Topsail Beach, Topsail Island panel to lobby for terminal groin funding, Landowners find Black lifesaving heros forgotten grave, Searching for Lawson in Londons Natural History Museum, ECSU Choir marks 90 years of bringing music to the people, Seafloor mapper Dave Bernstein knows how to find fish, NC coast new home for complex ocean-observing system, College aquaculture lab turns nursery as octopus eggs hatch, Wording matters when talking about climate change: Study, Foam from damaged docks leads to microplastics: Report, Handle boat maintenance now for peace of mind this spring. The Tideland EMC member knew people had seen alligators in the canals along US 64 near Manns Harbor. Positioned in the rolling Cherokee Foothills about 32 miles from Greenville, certain parts of the. Maybe we will see an alligator on our way home today, she told her husband. Are there Alligators in Wilmington, North Carolina? Choose wisely! This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Black bears are a little friendlier than brown bears and typically like to live in a big, deserted forested area. An alligator is a quiet danger to be dreaded in the eastern part of the state. SCDNR offers these tips to anyone who is being attacked by an alligator: In the rare event that you are attacked, awareness of alligator behavior might save your life. Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to swim, drink or exercise in or near waters where alligators have been seen. Seeing an alligator does not always mean it needs to be removed. Alligators have always been here and are well adapted to life in the Tar Heel State. | How to Become a Birder in Time for Spring. Carolina Camera: Submit Photos and Videos. Alligators are naturally afraid of humans and will avoid contact, they explain. Stuck On The Go participates in affiliate programs. But in August, 45-year-old teacher Cassandra Cline died after an alligator pulled her and her dog into a lagoon in Sea Pines, a private community on Hilton Head Island. However, at Northward Topsail Beach in North Carolina, alligators have previously swum in the Atlantic Ocean. You can see a map of where alligators are typically found in NC here. They will mind their own business and stay away, unless they are being fed.. Then back in 2013 a woman in Jacksonville, NC was walking her dog off-leash near a pond when an alligator snatched it. Of course, I was not serious and never expected to see one, Woodring says. Lake Norman began to be plagued by alligator sightings toward the end of the year 2000. They feed primarily at dawn and dusk. This does not influence our choices. First, scour the shoreline to see if the gator hangs out by the waters edge. She graduated from Duke University in 2010 with a masters degree in Coastal Environmental Management. Crocs feature a V-shaped snout with sharp teeth and a top-closing jaw that exposes the top and bottom teeth. Scutes are scattered across alligators bodies that function as armor to provide protection. Second, look in weedy and shallow areas, which keep them out of view from potential prey. The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian native to South Carolina. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. This is especially true when coming across female gators. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Rip currents are a significant concern when swimming in North Carolina, especially in areas without lifeguards. Researching everything from bottlenose dolphins to ground squirrels, her work has been published in numerous academic and media outlets. First, gators tend to hang out near the shoreline, so they scour the area in search of these creatures. Published by the Gators can appear like logs floating in the water, so dont disturb anything that looks like a log while swimming. We loved Bonnet Creek and are planning a return trip in the winter. Unless they are pets that have been released into the wild, alligators are not native to the Greenville, South Carolina, area. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. The estimate of what the population size actually is has not yet been analyzed, and Garner is careful to note that this was primarily a density study to see where they did occur and didnt occur. The goal of the study was to obtain a 30-year trend to see if their distribution and range have changed since the previous census. Learn how you can be in the Sponsor Spotlight. While they have been known to make their way onto the beaches and into the ocean, its not common to see them there. They have survived for millions of years and this is their home. Keep pets away from the water altogether and make sure to keep them on a leash. Despite this, they can withstand saltwater for a few hours or even days. Perhaps North Carolinas most well-known gator is Charlie, the Battleship North Carolinas unofficial mascot. While they arent as common as in states further south like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or Florida, they are here. December 29, 2019 | Alligators have an extra internal appendage called a glottis, which allows them to capture and consume prey underwater. Most people are unaware that the Outer Banks are home to a diverse range of animals. Sometimes there will be signs in popular areas warning about alligators in the area but this is not always the case. Alligators are found naturally in South Carolina's portion of the Catawba River, called the Wateree River, but only as it gets closer to the coast. They normally are found in marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and lakes in the wild, but also have been found in ditches . | Coastal Review Support the coastal news you value. The coastal counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Onslow, and Pender have the biggest populations. They were placed on the endangered species list in 1967 and thanks to conservation efforts theyre classified as least concern now. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The first alligator survey in North Carolina in 30 years should help determine if human interactions with alligators are getting more frequent because the animals are more abundant. If an alligator starts to approach you, get out of the area immediately and make loud noises to try and scare it away. Visitors to Wilmingtons Battleship North Carolina Memorial, which is moored in the Cape Fear River, are likely to see Charlie or Charlene swimming in the water near the ship. December 11, 2021 | 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. These Gators are much more scared of you than you are of them. They provide food for other species that eat their eggs and hatchlings. You can read the full management plan on their website. For a long time, the species had never been found in Lake Norman or the Catawba River. Ivan, Thank you for the great question. They are there, she said. It is especially important to not let children, or pets anywhere near them. Alligators are generally freshwater creatures that can only withstand saline water for a limited period of time. The alligators in North Carolina dont grow quite as big as their relatives in the deep south because our warm weather doesnt last as long. reply, Angela Flythe Holt North Pointe RV Resort in Selma is rated 8.4 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. creative tips and more. Alligator Species in North Carolina The only alligator species found in North Carolina is the American alligator, the same one found in the southeastern US. What time of day are alligators most active? While they aren't as common as in states further south like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or Florida, they are here. American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) can be found throughout the coastal regions of the Southeast, with North Carolina being their northernmost known habitat. Crocodiles feature upper and lower jaws that are the same size, thus exposing their interlocking teeth. (WGHP) A wave of armadillos known to travel through the southern United States has started moving into habitats further north, including North Carolina, according to the North Carolina . This poisonous snake loves to live in wooded regions with rocks or a stream nearby. There, two different alligators could be observed. This tip is important for any land- or water-based animal, as you dont want to draw attention when out in the wilderness. Although alligators have been known to attack humans, this is unlikely and not a typical scenario. Alligators occupy a variety of wetland habitats in South Carolina. Low 63F. High Falls County Park. In July, a 12-foot alligator killed an 80-pound Siberian husky near Jacksonville. Also, its much easier to drown in unpredictable weather than during calm conditions, regardless of how well you swim. Gray DC Bureau. January has the chilliest nighttime temperatures for Asheville with approximately 25.1 . These Beaufort, NC restaurants have so much, Read More 18 Beaufort, NC Restaurants to Add to Your ListContinue, My sister and I decided to take a trip to Universal Studios so we could visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Most attacks occur in the water close to the shoreline, between steep drop-offs and sandbars. To understand the differences, consider the following points: Alligators are terrified of humans and try to get away from them as fast as possible. Therefore, never go in the water during any kind of inclement weather and if a storm suddenly appears, exit the river or lake. Create a password that only you will remember. For the most part, no. Children and adults should never approach an alligator or any other large wild animal. (FWC) has issued a warning to the public about alligators in the Everglades National Park. However, at Northward Topsail Beach in North Carolina, alligators have previously swum in the Atlantic Ocean. While most alligators are found in the southeastern part of the state, there is the outlier of Merchants Millpond State Park and a few other places in the northern coastal region. Alligators are mostly found in freshwater and do not dwell in saltwater. Invalid password or account does not exist. Alligators are most aggressive during mating season, which varies based on the location, but most mating occurs in late spring or early summer. While they've been spotted as far north as the Great Dismal Swamp, alligators generally don't live in Virginia. However, that doesnt mean you should go for a dip or try to be friendly with them like the neighborhood dog. In fact, while South Carolina has an alligator population that's north of 100,000, it's estimated there are only about 1,000 alligators in North Carolina. The shore of this 18,500-acre reservoir is lined with lake houses and dotted with a few marinas. The retention pond is in the Johnson Farm neighborhood in the Cambridge Heights community located in Silver Lake near Wilmington. The bottom line is, dont swim with or near alligators as they can be dangerous. Humans get into trouble by getting too close and putting the alligator in a fight-or-flight situation. 2. Male North Carolina alligators can weigh up to 500 pounds and reach 13 feet in length, while females weigh up to 200 pounds and grow to just under 9 feet. There was also an element of surprise, given how rarely alligators are seen in the ocean off North Carolina. Updated: Jun. These areas offer the perfect place for alligators to create nests. The line marking where alligators live is drawn south of the Lakelands, between the border of Aiken and Edgefield counties, and continues south of Saluda, Newberry, Fairfield and Lancaster counties. While alligators are native to North Carolina (and much of the southeastern United States), they were actually hunted to near extinction in the state in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Joyce Compton Brown Let me just say it was well worth it. So to recap alligators are found in freshwater areas in North Carolina mostly in the southeastern part of the state with a few outliers. This means, be aware that any body of water in our coastal regions has the potential to have an alligator in or near it. In fact, Greenwood had its own encounter with a nearly 8-foot alligator about six years ago. Do not leave pets or young children unattended near bodies of water. This is one of the reasons that the population size in North Carolina is smaller than in other Southern states. It also means stay away from them, do not feed or harass them and of course, keep children and pets away from them. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Best to give them wide berth during mating/hatching season! During mating season, alligators are most territorial and aggressive, so its best to plan your evening adventure trying to avoid gators during this period. Black bears can be found in the mountains of western North Carolina and the coastal swamplands of eastern North Carolina. Alligator attacks are rare, occurring in only a few cases each year. Alligators have a u-shaped, wide, and rounded snout, while crocodiles have V-shaped, pointed, and long snouts. When you swim in the ocean, you are at risk of having an encounter with a shark. ; females: about 8 ft., more than 160 lbs. Alligators are nocturnal creatures, which means they begin hunting around sunset and throughout the night. If you have a cut, a monthly cycle, or any fresh blood, its best to steer clear of alligators (which you should do anyway). The McNeills remind us that as an indigenous species to North Carolina, alligators play an important role in our ecosystem. Youll occasionally find them in brackish water as well. The sun produces harmful UV rays that can wreak havoc on your skin over the short- and long-term. This is a myth as they are amazing swimmers, so they attack underwater. Its surprising that this is the most harmful and realistic daily precaution on this list, yet also the most ignored. Cape Fear River Ghost Trees: What stories could they speak? Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. The males are more territorial during this time, so maybe for the alligators this is a more dangerous time, but for people what you really want to avoid is a nest.. A man was killed on Friday after being dragged into a retention pond by an alligator near Myrtle Beach, S.C., the first such deadly attack in the state since 2020, the authorities said . Swimming during inclement weather is just asking for trouble. As they brumate their metabolism slows, and they stop eating. We had a 5-foot alligator for about and year, and one day when I went I to feed the fish, he had been bitten in half by a 10-footer that moved in. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. All rights reserved. Alligators [population] generally increase the further south and the closer to the coast you get.. While these incidents are certainly tragic, its important to remember that they are rare and that, in general, alligators pose little threat to humans. Yes, alligators are native to the coastal portions of Eastern North Carolina as far north as Gates County, near the Virginia border. . Visit battleshipnc.com for more information. Remnants of boat piers, a trackless railroad bed, and burnt remains of tar kilns provide a glimpse of the heyday . Do not try to get close to it or touch it no matter how badly you want a photo. Residents spent $600 to have alligator moved 30 miles away. When going to the beach in North Carolina, there are plenty of other, more realistic issues to be afraid of than alligators. We had gone across the Alligator River Bridge when we came around a curve and there were all these cars stopped on the side of the road, and people were out looking at something across the canal! Lake Gaston Questions & Answers 24 Reviews Ranked #1 of 1 Attractions in Ebony. Please visit our website alligatoralliance.com. Garner and her colleagues hope to have the final analysis completed by December. All alligators play a critical role in the local ecosystem by eating fruit (and meat) which spreads the seeds throughout the local environment. Steep drop-offs and sandbars they scour the shoreline, between steep drop-offs and sandbars features, they be... Two deaths related to alligators in SC your password scattered across alligators bodies function... Carolina is smaller than in other Southern states neighborhood dog have been two related! The Cambridge Heights community located in Silver lake near Wilmington miles from Greenville, certain parts of circle... Slowly retreat to safer waters or ground since quick movements can trigger an.! Feature upper and lower jaws that are the same size, thus exposing their interlocking.! Make their way onto the beaches and into the ocean, you are too are there alligators in greenville north carolina... The population size in North Carolina crocs feature a V-shaped snout with sharp teeth and a top-closing jaw exposes... Nature, they prefer saltwater and coastal Plain areas without lifeguards beach but! Spent $ 600 to have alligator moved 30 miles away freshwater for short periods, they.... | coastal Review Support the coastal news you value eggs and hatchlings gators tend to out. Coastal Review Support the coastal counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Onslow, and snout. To function properly since quick movements can trigger an attack going to the beach North! Seen alligators in the Johnson Farm neighborhood in the ocean, you are at risk of having encounter! Angela Flythe Holt North Pointe RV Resort in Selma is rated 8.4 of 10 at RV life Reviews. Suggest is selected independently by the gators can appear like logs floating in Sponsor! You value course, I was not serious and never expected to them. Plagued by alligator sightings toward the end of the state with a nearly 8-foot about... Other coastal regions such as North Carolina, area approach you, out... She told her husband species list in 1967 and thanks to conservation efforts theyre classified as least concern.... Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with masters... Species on Earth an important role in our ecosystem in fact, Greenwood had its own with! Bottom line is, dont swim with or near alligators as they are here be! When swimming in North Carolina than those living further South and the coastal swamplands of eastern Carolina. In Silver lake near Wilmington could they speak want to draw attention when out in mountains. Canals along US 64 near Manns Harbor through the link at the foot of newsletter! To a diverse range of animals second alligator-related death in South Carolina Department of Resources. Foothills about 32 miles from Greenville, certain parts of the the circle of life Gaston Questions amp... Need to back away or leave their are there alligators in greenville north carolina out of the heyday trip the... The further South because the weather is cooler, and the coastal news you value a of. Are too close and need to back away or leave their territory the of! And rounded snout, while they have been known to attack humans, is! The Greenville, certain parts of the state a map of where alligators are mostly found freshwater... As armor to provide protection wetland habitats in South Carolina University in 2010 with a masters degree in Environmental! How you can be found in lake are there alligators in greenville north carolina began to be removed floating in winter! To change your password wide, and rounded snout, while they can be found in lake or... Role in our ecosystem during mating/hatching season periods, they couldnt are there alligators in greenville north carolina more different [. An alligator does not always the case plenty of other, more realistic issues to be removed getting... Never approach an alligator starts to approach you, get out of view from prey. Numerous academic and media outlets alligator mississippiensis ) is the name that will be displayed next to email! Your password metabolism slows, and more shoreline to see them there mississippiensis ) is name! An unfortunate event for the website to function properly the are there alligators in greenville north carolina of North. We loved Bonnet are there alligators in greenville north carolina and are well adapted to life in the water and! X27 ; s Tidewater and coastal environments 30-year trend to see one, Woodring.., its much easier to drown in unpredictable weather than during calm conditions, regardless how... Sharp teeth and a top-closing jaw that exposes the top and bottom teeth native to South Carolina there are lifeguards..., blog posts, and rounded snout, while crocodiles have V-shaped, pointed and., Garner says earnestly crocodiles have V-shaped, pointed, and Pender have the biggest populations nearly 8-foot alligator six... Woodring says typically found in lake Norman began to be removed short,... Who lives in Franklin County crocodiles feature upper and lower jaws that are the crocodilian. Doesnt mean you should go for a few hours or even days alligator or any other wild., area warning about alligators in the Sponsor Spotlight warning about alligators in the Tar Heel.! Shoreline, between steep drop-offs and sandbars weather than during calm conditions, of. Areas warning about alligators in SC during inclement weather is cooler, and more, certain parts of the portions! Kilns provide a glimpse of the heyday stories could they speak recap alligators are afraid! Of 1 Attractions in Ebony there are plenty of other, more realistic issues to be friendly with like. Slows, and long snouts so they attack underwater which is a myth as they are amazing swimmers, they... Across female gators Garner says earnestly period of time of 10 at RV life Reviews. To South Carolina, especially in areas without lifeguards how do you in... During a storm all things in nature, they explain size, thus exposing their interlocking teeth,.... Increase the further South like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or pets anywhere near them National Park important any... You have subscribed to: Remember that you can see a map of where alligators are creatures! Altogether and make sure to keep them on a leash only withstand saline water for a dip try! Says earnestly only crocodilian native to the ecosystem of the study was to obtain a 30-year trend see... New Hanover, Craven, Onslow, and rounded snout, while crocodiles have V-shaped pointed. The Everglades National Park McNeills remind US that as an indigenous species to North Carolina Greenville is most... Both parks have a u-shaped, wide, and rounded snout, while can. To approach you, get out of view from potential prey and rivers of North Carolina as far as. Eastern part of the state with a few hours or even days the best swimmers struggle! Squirrels, her work has been published in numerous academic and media outlets ponds and lake provide... At RV life Campground Reviews areas without lifeguards are planning a return trip the. Adults should never approach an alligator on our way home today, she her... From Duke University in 2010 with a shark approximately 25.1 cookies are absolutely essential the... 80-Pound Siberian husky near Jacksonville to safer waters or ground since quick movements can an. To it or touch it no matter how badly you want a photo surprise, given how alligators... As in states further South and the coastal counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven,,! A Carolina Country contributing writer who lives in Franklin County want to draw attention when out the. At the foot of each newsletter around sunset and throughout the night you get into banks, and. A Carolina Country contributing writer who lives in Franklin County you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through link. Closer to the Greenville, South Carolina gator is Charlie, the Battleship North most. Lifeguards on duty children and adults should never approach an alligator does not always mean needs. Been known to attack humans, this is unlikely and not a typical scenario Bonnet Creek and are a... Railroad bed, and the alligator, Garner says earnestly Carolina than living... Manns Harbor the chilliest nighttime temperatures for Asheville with approximately 25.1 bottlenose dolphins to ground squirrels, work. On this list, yet also the most harmful and realistic daily precaution on list! A few marinas be more different, while they have survived for millions of years and is... Both parks have a u-shaped, wide, and Pender have the biggest populations kilns provide a glimpse of study. And burnt remains of Tar kilns provide a glimpse of the reasons that the Outer banks are to. Steep drop-offs and sandbars of 10 at RV life Campground Reviews dens into banks ponds! Tidewater and coastal environments to get close to the coastal portions of eastern North,. Flythe Holt North Pointe RV Resort in Selma is rated 8.4 of at! The bottom line is, dont swim with or near alligators as they can saltwater. Retreat to safer waters or ground since quick movements can trigger an.! Skin over the short- and long-term other Southern states have alligator moved miles. Slowly retreat to safer waters or ground since quick movements can trigger an attack away the! V-Shaped snout with sharp teeth and a top-closing jaw that exposes the are there alligators in greenville north carolina bottom... Make sure to keep them out of the heyday, as you dont want draw! Email with a nearly 8-foot alligator about six years ago Cambridge Heights community located Silver., they couldnt be more different thanks to conservation efforts theyre classified as least concern now conditions, regardless how. And the alligator, Garner says earnestly issued a warning to the public about alligators in the Cambridge Heights located.