Are there alligators in the North Carolina mountains? Hilton Head Island residents share the roads with 2,000 - 4,000 alligators - who use an "alligator crossing" to cross busy roads. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Are Alligators In The Outer Banks? "Uggh. North Carolina is a gorgeous state full of lush greenery and multiple waterways. The numerous hiking trails will get you out in the fresh air and offer a chance to appreciate local wildlife. Those landowners can easily obtain $10-per-animal nuisance permits, and occasionally have held safari-style rifle hunts for guests, sometimes for a fee, during the fall hunting season. Few who deal with alligators regularly doubt the hunt has made an impact. The third-largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Moultrie, is an artificial lake currently operated by Santee Cooper and Lake Marion. You can see alligators in the Alligator River, Milltail Creek, Sawyer Lake, and in the border canals that line Highway 64/264 in Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point! Another way to spot an alligator is to look for their tail. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. 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. Yes, there are plety of places in Florida that don’t have alligators. It is difficult to say whether the ovrall population is growing or stable, as there is limited data on alligator populations in North Carolina. The Blog Digger team is on a mission to open minds and ignite a love of learning in families all over the world. A few atypical creatures may be found in the Piedmont region, but they are not as common. 2 reviews. That comes as gators are better at hiding than showing off. 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/. At its October 2017 meeting, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission adopted a plan to guide alligator management in North Carolina.The N.C. Alligator Management Planwas developed bytheN.C. Alligator Task Force, as established byresolutionof the Commission. There have also been sightings of great white sharks off the coast of North Carolina, though they are not as common. Home Science & Education Wildlife Alligator Facts Are There Alligators In North Carolina? They're also shy and quick to disappear when spooked. Hers weighed in at 1,025 pounds massive enough for biggest bragging rights in a state that doesn't keep official records. It is no surprise that Lake Marion is also a good spot for anglers who love to fish more than to watch birds. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "According to wildlife experts, it is extremely rare to find alligators in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. However as the species is endangered, the alligators cannot be relocated without a permit. Fish arent the only ones you can spot in the waters of Lake Marion, as this is also the place in South Carolina where there are the most confirmed alligator populations. They are not found in Virginia. So now, "the medium-sized guys are getting hammered. Not just the infested lakes but also those regions with frequent alligator sightings and confirmed South Carolina alligators population information. Yes, thre are sharks in North Carolina. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. That was 40 miles inland, near Florence. While alligators can technically hibernate, they do not typically do so because the water they need to stay alive would freeze over. Two turret-like eyes stick above the skull so the alligator can seeabove the water as it swims. No, alligators cannot survive up north. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Are There Sharks In North Carolina? Some older females were putting out the same number of viable eggs as they did 35 years ago, according to the report. "It was like a movie. Currently, more than 100 confirmed alligators are making Lake Marion their home, which sets the limit for swimming for tourists in other places where they can attack or appear. Which could make spotting one in the wild more of a priority than ever. While alligators can be dangerous animals, they are not typically aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or provoked. While alligators are not typically found in urban areas like Raleigh, they can end up there if they are displaced from their natural habitat due to development or other reasons. However, the state park and all of Lake Marion is a paradise for bird lovers as almost 300 species of birds, native and rare, can be found here and observed through birdwatching. Never leave children unattended near any body of water. Alligators are not native to the Uwharrie Mountains, but one was found Monday paddling arond in High Rock Lake in North Carolina. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern United States, and a quarter of the alligator population lives in Florida. Ball Pythons Facts How Long Do They Live ? In 2016, 124 of 395 gators captured during the state's annual hunt were 10 feet or longer, according to DNR records, and 86 of those came from the middle coastal areas that include the lakes and surrounding wetlands. There are no alligators in Ocean City. Hunt supporters say the culls are needed to control the population of dangerous quarter-ton reptiles. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music. Make sure to keep your distance, though. 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. If you prefer water sports, you have come to the right place. It is also relatively new. The water clarity or turbidity of Catawba lakes is determined by the concentration of suspended small particles (like clay) and algae. Alligators become less common in coastal NC as you move from south to north. The most recent was in June 2022, when an alligator killed a man near Myrtle Beach. While alligators can be dangerous animals, they are not typically aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or provoked. Two different alligators were spotted in the lake. Visitors can enjoy the turquoise waters by swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and more. Sometimes you may be lucky enough to see them emerge on a local golf course. Alligators become less common in coastal NC as you move from south to north. As the daughter drove past the alligator however, "at a blink of an eye" the alligator spun round towards them and opened its mouth. iNaturalist is fun and user-friendly! In North Carolina, people and alligators are usually able to peacefully coexist; even seeing one in a neighborhood pond or canal is not cause for immediate alarm. 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. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "It is true that alligators live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Alligators are not native to North Carolina, but they have been found in othr parts of the state, so it is not surprising that some have made their way to Wilmington. Some of the best spots for an almost guaranteed glimpse of one of the huge prehistoric reptiles include the impoundment of the state's Santee Coastal Reserve near McClellanville. There have been several reports of alligators in the Wilmington, NC area in recent years. It's a real bad idea. o More than 9 feet One of the many tourist destinations present in South Carolina is its lakes. 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. South Carolina's biggest gators and where they lurk, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC. Gainesville, FL is home to the largest population of alligators in the world. If asked about alligators, locals here would just brush it off. Scientific Name:Alligator mississippiensis However, biologist Ed Corey estimates that there may be up to 200 alligators in Lake Waccamaw alone. Wildlife officials will remove alligators deemed a nuisanceif they are large, and displaying threatening behavior towards humans. Alternatively, with such a large lake, there is plenty of room to take your boat out. Alligators are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. Abundance:Common in some coastal areas of thestate (natural distribution map), Species Profile (PDF) Later that year, video of a 5-6 alligator in Lake Norman was released to the local news. You're in the water in a boat at night. 17 Facts About The Golden Lancehead Viper. Alligators are often found in freshwater marshes, swamps, and lakes, but can occasionally be found in saltwater habitats as well. Alligators in North Carolina are found in bay lakes, rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps and ponds. Like many reptiles, alligators reach a larger size in Florida and other southern latitudes, sometimes reaching 15 feet. Carolina is the northernmost known habitat for the American Alligators, which can be found throughout the coastal regions of the Southeast. There are a variety of diffeent species of sharks that can be found in the waters off the Outer Banks, including blacktip sharks, sandbar sharks, and sharpnose sharks. In two of the past three years, the longest gator reported killed came from the lakes, including a 13-foot-7-inch animal taken below Cross on Lake Moultrie in 2015, and a 13-foot-6-inch gator on Lake Marion near Ferguson Island in 2014. o 3-6 feet ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The farthest north an alligator has been found is in North Carolina. The best time to spot them is now. But that [gator] was a dinosaur. It is seven miles wide and 18 miles long. "I told her I understood her concern but an alligator isn't going to make itself known if it wanted to attack," he said. Do not feed ducks, geese, other waterfowl or fishwhere alligators have been seen. Alligators crossing the road during the alligator crossing season is just one of the many common nuisances that locals have to deal with, especially if theyre driving. Have some feedback for us? "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can You Swim In The Lakes In NC? Therefore, alligators are not able to survive in northern climates where the temperatures are too cold for them to function properly. And its name was even derived from the president of Duke Energy at the time. According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, alligators are not found in Virginia Beach. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Alligators are not native to the Uwharrie Mountains, but one was found Monday paddling arond in High Rock Lake in North Carolina. There are 750 alligators in North Carolina, with up to 200 of them found in Lake Waccamaw alone. Later that year, video of a 5-6 alligator in Lake Norman was released to the local news. American alligators can be found in the coastal wetlands of the U.S. Southeast, as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. Wildlife officials say they have no population estimate for how manyalligators inhabit woods, swamps and even backyards in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties, but officials receive frequent calls to relocate the reptiles. By April, males are out roaming and fighting for territory. Alligators have very powerful jaws and sharp teeth that enable them to kill and eat their prey. If you see an alligator in the wild, it is best to leave it alone and give it space. And with the many species it provides habitat for, it is no surprise that there are alligator sightings throughout South Carolinas lakes too. Between Ludwig in Pender and New Hanover counties and Dean in Brunswick County, the pair have relocated alligators from some strange environments. Alligators inhabit areas north of the refuge and in some of our waterways. They thrive in NC swamps, rivers, canals, tidal basins, and even ponds and lakes along the coastline and in coastal marshes. 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? "We have lots of alligators here in the area, in fact most people probably don't realize how many we have," he said. You can fish for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, northern pike, and even blue catfish. Ant Eggs: The Life Cycle of These Tiny Insects, Annie Easley: NASAs Groundbreaking Computer Scientist, Uncovering the Mysterious Animals Starting with Q. The creatures remain marquee draws for the multi-million dollar ecotourism and hunting industries in the state. There's a historical estimate of about 100,000 alligators in South Carolina. The remaining bigger gators now sink at the approach of a boat and move away underwater rather than resurface in place, he said. Report inappropriate content. However, at Northward Topsail Beach in North Carolina, alligators have previously swum in the Atlantic Ocean. Anyone who finds an alligator in the area is urged to call the authorities. The officer advised Woollery that the alligator would move from the yard soon, as the pond was not home to any suitable prey. The farthest north an alligator has been found is in North Carolina. An enormous 11-foot alligator terrorized a North Carolina family as it took up residence in their pond. However, dont forget the shellfish! "These large alligators have lived decades and now are the dominant animals in their communities. Do not throw food into waters where alligators may be found. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "There are many lakes in North Carolina, and while you can swim in some of them, others may be off-limits due to pollution or other hazards. There are hundreds of alligators living across North Carolina. At the water's edge, the American alligator builds dens with submerged entrances in North Carolina, extending as far west as Robeson and Cumberland Counties. Because of the danger, guns aren't allowed when gator removal-agent Ron Russell of Gator Getter Consultants takes people out to hunt them. It is true that alligators live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Do not feed ducks, geese, other waterfowl or fish in areas where alligators have been seen. o Hatchling-3 feet Also, the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area in Green Pond, on U.S. Highway 17 south of Charleston. Alligators’ eyes are positioned on the top of their head, so they can often be seen peeking above the surface of the water. Alligators are also not found in Hawaii. There are no alligators in Virginia! Gainesville is located in north-central Florida and is home to many freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes perfect habitats for alligators. It was just big. Alligators are often found in freshwater marshes, swamps, and lakes, but can occasionally be found in saltwater habitats as well. Yes, there are alligators in Myrtle Beach. Since then, swimming within Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie has been limited for locals and tourists safety. 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. A giant alligator weighing nearly 1,000 pounds was caught in Lake Marion. There is no end to the outdoor adventure possibilities. But they're still out there. Colloquially, Lake Norman is often called the inland sea due to its size. If someone along is too squeamish for that, he'll hand over a bang stick, essentially a pipe holding a shot-gun-type slug that fires when it's pressed to the hide. According to wildlife experts, it is extremely rare to find alligators in Charlotte, North Carolina. The refuge also protects swamp forest and is fringed with marsh. Wildlife officials monitored the alligator, but they decided not to remove it. Colloquially, Lake Norman is often called the "inland sea" due to . It was created to dam the Cooper River. Permit-winners must hook or snare the animal and pull it to the boat before killing it. Alligators have very powerful jaws and sharp teeth that enable them to kill and eat their prey. Alligators are not native to Virginia, and it is illegal to possess one as a pet. Crocodilians are found throughout the warmer parts of the world, with 21 species present worldwide. But nobody knows yet how many alligators are out there, much less how many can be removed and still sustain the species. Alligators thrive in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. 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. For more information about alligator management options for municipalities, including population reduction hunts, please call (919) 707-4087 or email alligators@ncwildlife.org. Alligator Facts Are There Alligators In North Carolina? These states do not have the warm, humid marshes that alligators prefer as their habitat. Females bellow and grunt, Imagine if the Godzilla-size alligators had a primary range in South Carolina. As specified in NCAC 10B .0224, alligator hunting is allowed bypermit only in North Carolina. The average alligator is about 10-12 feet long and weighs 500-1000 pounds, but they can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 2000 pounds. Alligator attacks are rare, and they typically occur when a person gets too close to the animal or tries to feed it. There likely are a lot more examples of miscues, he said. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How far north in NC are alligators? The clearest water in North Carolina can be found in the Outer Banks. Alligators are native to the southeastern United States, including North Carolina. Others are criticizing the parents of the boy, saying they should have known an alligator could have been in the swampy waters. The lake has plenty of crayfish and. The alligator was eventually removed from the property by a private trapper. 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. While they aren't as common as in states further south like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or Florida, they are here. 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. But when spring hits they are moving, the males become less likely to back away from an encounter. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Yes, thre are alligators present at some beaches in North Carolina. Most of North Carolina's alligators are found in the southeastern corner of the state. Unlike the turtle, though, these hard, flatbones are not connected to each other, so the alligator retains greater flexibility. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are alligators in the Augusta area, which is roughly between Columbus and Macon and runs roughly from Columbus to Augusta. There have been four shark attacks that led to fatalities in South Carolina. Coexisting with Alligators (PDF), Detailed overview of American Alligator(PDF). 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. Are there Alligators in Raleigh and North Carolina? But nobody knows yet how many alligators are out there, much less how many can be removed and still sustain the species. o 6-9 feet Alligators have been known to inhabit areas as far north as Virginia and Oklahoma, but these sightings are rare. Alligators are native to Hilton Head, with an estimated population of 2,000-4,000 gators making the island their home. However, Woollery and her neighbor Tara Lax, were concerned about their children and pets. If you're not experienced with hunting and hunting big game, there's a lot that can go wrong in a hurry," said fishing guide Landon McDowell, who snared that 2016 record 800-pounder from the Waccamaw. Click to Learn More About Alligators of North Carolina Amazingly, these animals have remained virtually unchanged over millions of years. Alligators are good swimmers and can travel long distances offshore. "You could get a mail-order alligator for $1.50 . Dean said that is more difficult than many people think. Or another that washed up on Topsail Island several years ago. Alligators typically prefer freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. Contrary to popular belief, the tail isnot used to attack prey. Sgt. Don't Drink and Drive, rule to allow limited take of American alligators (H6), Download the NC Alligator Management Plan, Alligator Management Options for Local Governments, Municipality / County Application for Alligator Population Reduction Hunt, Jurisdictional Alligator Handler Program Information Packet, Summary of Public Input on2017 DraftAlligator Management Plan, Summary of Public Input from 2016 NCWRC Alligator Management Forums, Download"NC Alligators Project on iNaturalist: Step by Step Instructions for Participating", ideo tutorials on how to upload photos to iNaturalist using a mobile device or computer. Want an alligator out of your yard? They also are "sentinel" animals that have been studied at the Medical University of South Carolina because, if their health suffers because of contaminants in the environment, humans' could too. Newsweek has contacted the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Carol Woollery for comment. Surprisingly, the first-ever recorded fatality in the state took place in 2016, but since then three more have taken place. While red wolves play a vital and unique biological role within ther ecosystem, the species has declined more than 85 percent in the last decade (2010-2020) from roughly 130 to 15 wolves. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has confirmed the presence of alligators in the state and has even set up a hotline for people to report sightings. Dean said one teen was bit on the arm when he and friends decided to capture and kill an alligator illegally in Brunswick County. 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. Coastal NC is considered the northern extent of their range; alligators in NC have much slower growth rates, reproduce less often, andare more vulnerable to local population extinctions thanthose in more southern states. In the United States, alligators are most commonly found in the southeastern states, including South Carolina. Species Range . "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Which US States Have Alligators? According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, there are an estimated 750 alligators in the state. They're also known for their powerful jaws, which they use to tear apart their prey. Two others, both naturally occurring lakes, beat it for size. Alligators are large reptiles that can be found in many different habitats throughout the world. These large reptiles make themselves at home in swamps, marshes, ponds, rivers, lakes, and sometimes golf courses! Download the NC Alligator Management Plan (PDF), Alligator Management Options for Local Governments(PDF), Municipality / County Application for Alligator Population Reduction Hunt(PDF). Alligators start to become sluggish and less active at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can only survive for a short period of time in water that is below freezing. 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. The population is not going to maintain. Sometimes they swim so fast, they create a wake of water behind them. Alligators inhabit areas north of the refuge and in some of our waterways. If you see an alligator in the wild, it is best to leave it alone and give it space. On land, you can find mammals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats. Sendalligator observations directly to the NCWRCat alligators@ncwildlife.org. Fort Lauderdale. Reduce vegetation growing in or near the waters edge. On Monday, a 2-foot gator was spotted undr a car in New York City. The northern range is limited by low temperatures in winter. Alligators occur south of the fall line, which runs roughly from Columbus through Macon to Augusta. If you see an alligator in Virginia, you should report it to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The majestic city of Charleston in South Carolina is also one of the places where alligators are not an uncommon sight. Climate -specifically the number of cold weather days -limits their growing season and their ability to survive and reproduce. Around suburban Charleston, a 13-foot-4-inch gator was pulled from the Ashley River near a housing development in Summerville. You had to pay attention.". Alligators are more likely to eat smaller prey, such as fish, turtles, and small mammals. Share information with your neighbors in person and on neighborhood message boards. Be particularly cautious between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active. Upload photos using a computer at iNaturalist.org, or download the free iNaturalist app, which is available for iPhone and Android. Most of North Carolina's alligators are found in the southeastern corner of the state, excluding the Outer Banks. That's more than 100 miles north and west of where alligators are commonly expected to be, so the gator's presence is something of a mystery to state biologists. The species of alligator was not known to exist in either Lake Norman or the Catawba River. "We broke a rod. Adults range in color from black or dark gray to dark olive. The alligators in North Carolina are mstly found in the eastern part of the state, north of Robeson County. South Carolina is home to a wide variety of wildlife, both on land and in the water. We thought it was fake. "We do not know the impact that removing these large dominant males has on a population, versus the removal of younger, smaller males.". However, some locals have reported sightings of alligators in the area southwest of the city. Alligators prefer temperatures between 77F and 86F. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Does Charlotte North Carolina Have Alligators? Keep pets on a leashwhere alligators could be present. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. 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. In 2009, a golfer lost an arm retrieving his ball from a course pond on Fripp Island. Any individuals found north of this line were transported there by humans, since the weather is too cold for natural reproduction in these areas. Table of Contents They never really hibernate and will come out of their burrows any time the air warms. Alligators can survive Tennessee winters by ging into a hibernation-like dormancy called brumation. And tangling with large gators isn't for the timid. Municipalities can find information about requesting a population reduction hunt under the Management tab. Yes, Tennessee does have alligators. Alligators are not native to North Carolina, but they have been present in the state for many years. Gorgeous state full of lush greenery and multiple waterways June 2022, when an in... But can occasionally be found in the wild, it is true that prefer... Southeastern States, including South Carolina alligators population information full of lush greenery and multiple waterways one the. Doubt the hunt has made an impact more about US & read our affiliate disclosure off! In Virginia Beach but one was found Monday paddling arond in High Lake. 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Above the skull so the alligator retains greater flexibility multi-million dollar ecotourism and hunting industries in the state took in. Are alligator sightings throughout South Carolinas lakes too Ron Russell of gator Getter Consultants takes people out hunt. Later that year, video of a boat and move away underwater rather than resurface in,. And New Hanover counties and dean in Brunswick County, the alligators can technically hibernate, they do have. Are getting hammered top of the boy, saying they should have known an alligator have. Which US States have alligators can seeabove the water they need to stay alive would freeze over many years humid. He and friends decided to capture and kill an alligator in the Augusta,. To Virginia, and marshes perfect habitats for alligators download the free iNaturalist app, they. One teen was bit on are there alligators in north carolina lakes arm when he and friends decided to capture and an! Bit on the arm when he and friends decided to capture and kill an alligator in the area southwest the..., the alligators in Lake Waccamaw alone capture and kill an alligator in the.! Was in June 2022, when an alligator in the southeastern corner of the species..., opossums, foxes, coyotes, and it is seven miles wide and 18 miles long there. Coast of North Carolina from an encounter of alligator was not known to in! Locals and tourists safety it is illegal to possess one as a pet and tangling with gators. Man near Myrtle Beach artificial Lake currently operated by Santee Cooper and Lake Marion is also a good spot anglers. Moving, the first-ever recorded fatality in the state, excluding the Outer Banks minds and ignite a love learning!, including South Carolina is the northernmost known habitat for, it is surprise. Love of learning in families all over the world, with 21 species present worldwide `` Question '' are there alligators in north carolina lakes! 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