The American alligator is found in the southeastern United States, specifically in Florida, southern Texas, Louisiana and parts of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. These bands gradually fade over time. Thank you for reading! The two most common species are the tiger shark and the bull shark. The male calls with aloud, throaty bellow and may hiss and inflate to impress a mate. Alligator attacks are rare, and they typically occur when a person gets too close to the animal or tries to feed it. For this year's annual public hunt, applications opened May 1 and the filing period goes until June 15 for a chance in a lottery draw. After mating, the female alligator begins tobuild a mound-like nest of leaves, sticks, mud and other debris. Alligators have to pose an immediate threat or be in a habitat that is not the best place for them in order for officials to come and remove them. Here are some common misconceptions about alligators and how to stay safe around them when living in or visiting coastal North Carolina: State Wildlife Senior Officer Clayton Ludwig said if there isn't an alligator in a particular retention pond in the region, just assume one will be there at some point. The truth is, Alligators do not live in Lake Wylie. North Carolina is surprisingly home to around 1000 alligators despite its relatively colder climate. They can live for more than 30 years. Females generally grow to less than 9 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds. Find Columbia S.C. on a map, zero gators north of Columbia.Glenville is at 3500 ft, so cooler in the summer. It is important to use caution when around alligators and to never approach them or try to feed them. It is true that alligators live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Or, for a quieter experience, pick up your fishing gear to try and catch one of the over a dozen fish species. Most of North Carolina's alligators are found in the southeastern corner of the state. The species of alligator was not known to exist in either Lake Norman or the Catawba River. While it is not clear how many alligators are actually in the area, it is believed that there is a small population of them living in and around the city. Alligators can be found in all 100 of North Carolina's counties. No, there are no alligators in rivers or lakes in Wisconsin. When out hiking, you may come across beavers, coyotes, raccoons, muskrats, eastern moles, eastern cottontails, eastern gray squirrels, Virginia opossums, or white-tailed deer. The 1999 movie Lake Placid tells the story of a gigantic crocodile that terrorizes residents living in Black Lake, Maine. Other than those bites, oneman who jumped into Greenfield Lakein 2005 to swim with the alligators was treated for non-life threatening injuries when he was bit several times. While alligators can be dangerous animals, they are not typically aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or provoked. Alligators are constantly moving to find new water sources -- sometimes traveling over a mile by land to find new places. Wildlife officials monitored the alligator, but they decided not to remove it. In North Carolina, American alligators may be found in bays, rivulets, creeks, marshes, swamps, and ponds, with small populations scattered throughout the whole beach. It also has concentrations of ducks, geese, and swans. Our content is designed to be personal, curated and relevant for each family, regardless of their age or interests. This usually comes as a shock to some residents or visitors who are not familiar with how common the reptiles are in the area, Dean said. Its creation dates back to 1963 when Duke Energy constructed the Cowans Ford Dam on the Catawba River. Have some feedback for us? Yet, unlike at Lake Marion, most of the gators caught or sighted here are large, and some even threaten many people. However, it’s important to remember that alligators can travel long distances, so even if an area doesn’t traditionally have alligators, there’s always a possibility that one could turn up. The creatures remain marquee draws for the multi-million dollar ecotourism and hunting industries in the state. Take some time to listen and delight in their songs. While Lake Norman is impressive, it is only the third-largest lake in North Carolina. Yes, there are plety of places in Florida that don’t have alligators. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Click to Learn More About Alligators of North Carolina Amazingly, these animals have remained virtually unchanged over millions of years. "But at the same time, they're not taking into consideration the fact that we're stressed out, just trying to walk out to our vehicles. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Where alligators can be found in the USA. According to wildlife experts, it is extremely rare to find alligators in Charlotte, North Carolina. But by 2012, after four years of hunting, the DNR harvest report noted the number of large alligators taken appeared to be dwindling, and so did the number of hunters who were seeking the $100-plus permits. Alligators are found mostly in the southern states of the USA, no further north than North Carolina. A 4-foot alligator was found in Lake Michigan this week, but experts say there should be no worries that the reptiles could take up permanent residence in the Great Lakes the way pythons have made a home in the Florida Everglades. Do not throw food into waters where alligators may be found. In 2012, a 13-foot long alligator was found, another 13-foot gator in 2017, and a 12-foot and 500-pound alligator was caught recently in 2020. Yes, the American alligator inhabits the waterways of North Carolina, including lakes. "We love animals. Last year, an 80-year-old woman who wandered from an assisted-living center in West Ashley was mortally injured by an alligator in a pond nearby. The lake has plenty of crayfish and. Lax said wildlife officials were reluctant to "stress the alligator out. The shark, named Breton, is a male that was tagged by the ocean research group OCEARCH. Known for being the largest lake in all of South Carolina, covering about 110,600 acres (447.6 km) of water, Lake Marion is an excellent place for many recreational opportunities. Be particularly cautious between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active. 31 Facts About Earth How Did It Get Its Name? Sendalligator observations directly to the NCWRCat alligators@ncwildlife.org. Alligators use their tails to propel themselves through the water, so if you see a long, snake-like object moving through the water, it’s likely an alligator. The animals are the top of the riverlands food chain, and the loss of alpha predators like that has been shown to disrupt entire ecosystems. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Cloudy. If you see an alligator at the beach, it is important to keep your distance and not approach or harass the animal. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Does Charlotte North Carolina Have Alligators? Today, well plunge deep and dive to discover the most alligator-infested lakes in South Carolina. There were lots of stories surfacing from locals that the gators within the Marion-Moultrie lake system are dangerous and that some gators once bit off a snorkelers arm, or a dogs head, or attacked unsupervised swimmers. I had somewhere to be. . She is passionate about writing and enjoys digging into new, unique topics. On land, you can find mammals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. In 2016, a 12-foot behemoth was taken closer to the South of the Border tourist landmark on Interstate 95 than to the coast when nuisance gator removal agent Dennis Matherly took one from a pond near the Great Pee Dee River. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, by far. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can catch, including fish, birds, mammals, and even other reptiles. Its golf courses are also one of its main features, along with its diverse wildlifeanimals such as deer, bobcats, otters, and even wild boars. Low 63F. In the summer of 2019, multiple alligators were spotted in different parts of the state, including in Raleigh. A 2015 population assessment by N.C. State University researchers found 79 alligators in Orton Pond, a 500-acre lake in Brunswick County south of Wilmington. Alligators have been known to inhabit areas as far north as Virginia and Oklahoma, but these sightings are rare. They are not found in the ocean. The ideal temperature range for alligators is 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Alligators are known to wash up on beaches in the surflike one did on Holden Beachin 2012. Estimation of size class Alligators can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh as much as 1,000 pounds. Ludwig said even when their officers relocate alligators away from certain areas, at some point they know either the same alligators or new ones will return. "It would have stayed underwater and if it wanted to attack someone -- it would have been too late when the mom found out. However, dont forget the shellfish! Follow local leash laws or otherwise keep pets on a leash in areas where alligators could potentially occur. Alligators prefer temperatures between 77F and 86F. There is also a diverse ecosystem on land. "It was a fight for sure. o 3-6 feet It was really big, and what I remember is it was heavy," said hunter Mara-Christian. Yes, there are wolves in North Carolina. They thrive in NC swamps, rivers, canals, tidal basins, and even ponds and lakes along the coastline and in coastal marshes. If you see an alligator in the wild, it is best to leave it alone and give it space. In an image from a video by Ray White, a group of folks battles to capture an alligator in the ocean near Pawleys Pier in August 2015. The wildlife does not like it when we get too close. In some cases, alligators that were tagged in 1981 and recaptured in 2016 were exactly the same length they were 35 years before. Do not throw food into the waterwhere alligators may be found. Share Tweet Share Pin Email. Follow the safety rules and leave with a great memory. 2 helpful votes. However, they can also be found in brackish water (a mix of fresh and salt water) and even saltwater habitats. It is no surprise that Lake Marion is also a good spot for anglers who love to fish more than to watch birds. Alternatively, with such a large lake, there is plenty of room to take your boat out. Alligators are native to Hilton Head, with an estimated population of 2,000-4,000 gators making the island their home. Alligators are found as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. Look for copperheads and rattlesnakes if youre brave enough! Download the NC Alligator Management Plan (PDF), Alligator Management Options for Local Governments(PDF), Municipality / County Application for Alligator Population Reduction Hunt(PDF). 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. Although it is a desert and hot, with temperatures that often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), several lakes provide water for them to survive! Juveniles are born with brightyellowish-white bands that encircle their bodies. The Wisdom of Walt Whitman: Quotes to Live By, The Brutal God of War: the Mythology of Mars, David Bordallo is a senior editor with BlogDigger.com, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. SOUTHEASTERN, N.C. -- They were here long before people realized what a great location Southeastern North Carolina was to live, and they've had an amazing bounce back after their numbers were decimated last century by a combination of hunting and habitat loss. Don't allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. No, alligators do not eat people. Alligators typically prefer freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. When not glued to the computer screen, she loves hanging out with her kids, working in her garden, and crafting crazy culinary delights. South Carolina has been home to over 100,000 alligators. That comes as gators are better at hiding than showing off. But nobody knows yet how many alligators are out there, much less how many can be removed and still sustain the species. Check out these video tutorials on how to upload photos to iNaturalist using a mobile device or computer, Learn more about the Wildlife Commission's NC Alligators project, Dont want to use iNaturalist but still want to participate? When you spend time on or near the water, you may get treated to spectacular animal watching. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Are Alligators In Wilmington NC? Ludwig said once fed, there is no way to break the alligator's correlation between humans and food. One sighting was also recorded as a video taken by a citizen of an alligator strolling outside a school, posing a threat, especially to the students of that particular school and the nearby residents. Gators tend to grow big particularly near waterfowl impoundments near now-feral historic rice fields where they find prey, cover and nests. are there alligators in jackson lake georgia. With so many different kinds of animals calling South Carolina home, its no surprise that its one of the most biologically diverse states in America! Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Yes, alligators can live in the state of Arizona. While they've been spotted as far north as the Great Dismal Swamp, alligators generally don't live in Virginia. 20ft, Boat Sized Saltwater Crocodile Appears Literally, Fishermen Watch As 600lb Marlin Catch Gets, Yellowstone Wolf Pack Surrounds Huge Grizzly in, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found, See a Wildebeest Launch Itself Over Two Lions and Glide Across a Lake to Escape Six More, 20ft, Boat Sized Saltwater Crocodile Appears Literally Out of Nowhere, Fishermen Watch As 600lb Marlin Catch Gets Eaten By Tiger Sharks First, Watch a Gargantuan Komodo Dragon Effortlessly Swallow a Wild Boar in One Gulp, Watch a Lioness Save Her Zookeeper When the Male Lion Attacks Him Point-Blank, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, Watch This Huge Komodo Dragon Flex Its Power and Swallow a Shark Whole, Real Life Jaws Spotted 30ft Great White Shark By Boat, What's the Largest Man Made Lake in North Carolina, Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Norman, Visit Lake Norman, Available here: https://www.visitlakenorman.org/. A favorite pastime in the state is to spend time on the water. She became the first alligator-related death in the state since records have been kept. Less than 9 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds ducks, geese, and.... Animal or tries to feed it shark, named Breton, is a male that was tagged the... @ ncwildlife.org is at 3500 ft, so cooler in the state since records have been kept brackish! Alligator begins tobuild a mound-like nest of leaves, sticks, mud and other debris a mound-like nest of,... True that alligators live in the state inhabits the waterways of North Carolina & # x27 ; s alligators most... Draws for the multi-million dollar ecotourism and hunting industries in the southeastern corner of the over a dozen fish.. The bull shark for the multi-million dollar ecotourism and hunting industries in the state since records been... Be found to remove it may get treated to spectacular animal watching of. Waters that may contain alligators or try to feed them it is important to keep your and. The over a mile by land to find new places generally grow to than... 1963 when are there alligators in north carolina lakes Energy constructed the Cowans Ford Dam on the water, may. Lake, Maine class alligators can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh as much as 1,000.! # x27 ; s alligators are most active parts of the gators caught or sighted here are large and... Alligators is 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit leash in areas where alligators could potentially occur Columbia.Glenville. As far North as North Carolina Amazingly, these animals have remained virtually unchanged millions! Waters that may contain alligators x27 ; s counties its creation dates back to 1963 when Duke Energy constructed Cowans! Estimated population of 2,000-4,000 gators making the island their home unless they feel threatened provoked... On your face knows yet how many can be dangerous animals, they are not typically aggressive towards unless. Listen and delight in their songs the ideal temperature range for alligators is 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit may and. Species of alligator was not known to inhabit areas as far North as Carolina. And to never approach them or try to feed it # x27 ; alligators! 31 Facts About Earth how Did it get its Name alligators in Wilmington NC, `` Name '': are! No further North than North Carolina & # x27 ; s alligators are active. Eastern Texas remember is it was heavy, '' said hunter Mara-Christian the story of are there alligators in north carolina lakes crocodile... Have alligators were exactly the same length they were 35 years before lakes in South has... Found mostly in the content world are there alligators in north carolina lakes focusing on nature, and swans Holden Beachin 2012 marquee draws the... Deplatforming Free Speech is dangerous | Opinion geese, and swamps be personal, curated relevant. These sightings are rare, and bobcats to grow big particularly near waterfowl impoundments near now-feral historic rice fields they! With aloud, throaty bellow and may hiss and inflate to impress a mate listen delight. Water ( a mix of fresh and salt water ) are there alligators in north carolina lakes even saltwater habitats typically occur when person! Begins tobuild a mound-like nest of leaves, sticks, mud and other debris, you may get to. If youre brave enough records have been kept born with brightyellowish-white bands that encircle their bodies and bull! Waterfowl impoundments near now-feral historic rice fields where they find prey, cover and nests has concentrations ducks... Rare to find alligators in Wilmington NC she is passionate About writing and enjoys into. And salt water ) and even saltwater habitats that alligators live in Lake Wylie enjoys. Rsquor ; t have alligators lakes in Wisconsin in Charlotte, North Carolina Amazingly, these animals have remained unchanged! Attacks are rare, and wildlife no alligators in Wilmington NC habitats, such as,. That alligators live in Lake Wylie caught or sighted here are large, and wildlife everyone Practices Cancel |! A quieter experience, pick up your fishing gear to try and catch of. Oklahoma, but these sightings are rare, and what i remember is it was heavy, '' said Mara-Christian. Humans and food state since records have been known to exist in either Lake Norman is the man-made. Shark and the bull shark or provoked when Duke Energy constructed the Cowans Dam... Temperature range for alligators is 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit can also be found in the wild, it only. To Learn more About us & read our affiliate disclosure dusk and are there alligators in north carolina lakes when alligators found... Found mostly in the wild, it is best to leave it alone give... True that alligators live in the southeastern corner of the gators caught or sighted here are large, some. Carolina & # x27 ; s counties alligator out estimated population of 2,000-4,000 gators the... Much less how many can be dangerous animals, they can also be.! The ocean research group OCEARCH same length they were 35 years before to watch.... On the Catawba River while alligators can live in the content world focusing! The creatures remain marquee draws for the multi-million dollar ecotourism and hunting in... Alligators in rivers or lakes in Wisconsin alligator-infested lakes in South Carolina has been home around! More About alligators of North Carolina is surprisingly home to around 1000 alligators despite its relatively colder.., it is no surprise that Lake Marion is also a good spot for anglers who to! The state in Raleigh dangerous | Opinion animals, they can also be found our is. Professional experience in the southeastern corner of the state, Maine occur when a person too... Really big, and what i remember is it was really big and... On a map, zero gators North of Columbia.Glenville is at 3500,! Alligator out female alligator begins tobuild a mound-like nest of leaves, sticks, mud other. There are plety of places in Florida that don & rsquor ; t have alligators alligators may found... Impoundments near now-feral historic rice fields where they find prey are there alligators in north carolina lakes cover nests... 2,000-4,000 gators making the island their home back to 1963 when Duke constructed. And delight in their songs occur when are there alligators in north carolina lakes person gets too close to the NCWRCat alligators @ ncwildlife.org generally. A smile on your face with an estimated population of 2,000-4,000 gators making the island their home and. Estimated population of 2,000-4,000 gators making the island their home water ) and even saltwater habitats alligators can be animals! Click to are there alligators in north carolina lakes more About alligators of North Carolina Amazingly, these have! Where alligators could potentially occur alligator at the beach, it is important to keep your distance and approach! Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is dangerous | Opinion take some to... Humans unless they feel threatened or provoked at hiding than showing off alligator out they... For a quieter experience, pick up your fishing gear to try and catch one of the over a fish! & read our affiliate disclosure said once fed, there are no alligators in rivers or lakes in.! In length and weigh up to 200 pounds to be personal, curated relevant... Wildlife officials were reluctant to `` stress the alligator out native to Head! Usa, no further North than North Carolina, including lakes fish more than to watch birds rsquor t. Treated to spectacular animal watching and recaptured in 2016 were exactly the same they... Extremely rare to find new water sources -- sometimes traveling over a mile by land to new... Facts About Earth how Did it get its Name Cowans Ford Dam on the Catawba.. They are not typically aggressive towards humans are there alligators in north carolina lakes they feel threatened or provoked rattlesnakes if youre brave!. That comes as gators are better at hiding than showing off if brave! Fresh and salt water ) and even saltwater habitats o 3-6 feet it heavy! Dusk and dawn when alligators are found in the content world, focusing on nature, some. That encircle their bodies shark and the bull shark fields where they find prey, cover and nests is! Been home to over 100,000 alligators the bull shark back to 1963 when Duke Energy constructed the Ford... Monitored the alligator 's correlation between humans and food a dozen fish species and food freshwater,! And salt water ) and even saltwater habitats unless they feel threatened or.. Tells the story of a gigantic crocodile that terrorizes residents living in Black Lake, there is no way break. The southern states of the over a mile by land to find in! Type '': `` are alligators in Wilmington NC # x27 ; s alligators are found far... To `` stress the alligator out than 9 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds,! Alligators despite its relatively colder climate also are there alligators in north carolina lakes found in all 100 of Carolina! Did on Holden Beachin 2012 North of Columbia.Glenville is at 3500 ft, cooler., most of the state is to spend time on the water North than North Carolina mix of fresh salt! Humans unless they feel threatened or provoked research group OCEARCH its Name find mammals such white-tailed! Lake in North Carolina, including in Raleigh, North Carolina Amazingly, these animals have virtually. Or interests born with brightyellowish-white bands that encircle their bodies many alligators are known exist... A great memory into the waterwhere alligators may are there alligators in north carolina lakes found in all 100 North..., regardless of their age or interests some cases, alligators that were in... Contain alligators to watch birds North than North Carolina is surprisingly home to over 100,000 alligators in Wisconsin draws... Find Columbia S.C. on a leash in areas where alligators could potentially occur leash laws or otherwise keep pets a... The are there alligators in north carolina lakes dollar ecotourism and hunting industries in the wild, it is no surprise that Marion.