The number of alligators has doubled since they were listed as a federal Endangered Species in the 1970s.  Our local population along the coast, coincidently, has more than doubled as well.

The Department of Natural Resources, DNR, receives approximately 500 to 700 gator complaints per year, but roughly one out of five of the alligators pose a threat to residents and or their pets. 

Fortunately, there has never been a fatal alligator attack in South Carolina. Even though the density of alligators in South Carolina coastal wetlands rivals that in Florida or Louisiana, there have only been eight attacks in the last 28 years.  Nearly all were provoked by people trying to feed or catch one of the retiles.

Please keep in mind the following laws regarding coming in to contact with alligators:

– It’s illegal to feed an alligator.

– It’s illegal to harass an alligator.

– Only DNR-approved trappers are permitted to catch alligators.