South Carolina has been home to over 100,000 alligators. 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. Classification:State Threatened and Federally Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance On Monday, a 2-foot gator was spotted undr a car in New York City. While they've been spotted as far north as the Great Dismal Swamp, alligators generally don't live in Virginia. Lake Norman is North Carolina's largest manmade lake, with a surface area of 32,510 acres. If you see an alligator at the beach, it is important to keep your distance and not approach or harass the animal. Carol Woollery, of Boiling Spring Lakes, had been running an errand with her daughter when they pulled out of their driveway to see a huge alligator in their neighbor's yard, WECT reported on Wednesday. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can catch, including fish, birds, mammals, and even other reptiles. Alligators are also not found in Hawaii. Considered to be one of the best vacation destinations in the world, Hilton Head Island is famous for its amenities and features that can attract tourists from all over the planet. Share Tweet Share Pin Email. It was really big, and what I remember is it was heavy," said hunter Mara-Christian. 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. "But I think a lot of people would be surprised to know how many are out there.". Thank you for reading! 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. You had to pay attention.". He recalls the story of one hunter who accidentally shot his own foot, and another who ended up shot in the hand. Our content is designed to be personal, curated and relevant for each family, regardless of their age or interests. In North Carolina, alligators have been reported in the ocean off of Masonboro Island. Later that year, video of a 5-6 alligator in Lake Norman was released to the local news. Be particularly cautious between dusk and dawn when alligators are most active. There have been several reports of alligators in the Wilmington, NC area in recent years. While they aren't as common as in states further south like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or Florida, they are here. Local populations are distributed in patches along the entire coast. North Carolina Wildlife arrived at the property the next day to find the alligator had made itself comfortable in the neighbors pond. Also known as Americas favorite island, Hilton Head offers over 12 miles of sandy and beautiful beaches and everything that tourists and visitors need for the ultimate vacation experience. Alligators are native to the southeastern United States, including North Carolina. American alligators occur naturally in North Carolina, inhabiting bay lakes, rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps and ponds, with local populations distributed in patches along the entire coast. Fishermen should dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans, and not throw them into the water. We have a house full of animals. Level Contributor. ","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. Follow the safety rules and leave with a great memory. "It removes all fear from alligators of humans and then alligators associate humans with a free meal.". ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The alligators in North Carolina are mstly found in the eastern part of the state, north of Robeson County. It was just big. Two turret-like eyes stick above the skull so the alligator can seeabove the water as it swims. But after being fed, Ludwig said he has noticed alligators in Greenfield Lake and other areas will dart towards humans. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Albemarle Peninsula in eastern North Carolina. Because of the danger, guns aren't allowed when gator removal-agent Ron Russell of Gator Getter Consultants takes people out to hunt them. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, there are an estimated 750 alligators in the state. 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. However, if you are outside looking for animals, you may want to take your earbuds out. How far north in North Carolina do alligators live? Later that year, video of a 5-6 alligator in Lake Norman was released to the local news. She became the first alligator-related death in the state since records have been kept. Where alligators can be found in the USA. 10-12 foot-long alligators would mindlessly cross the road or show up in peoples backyards. Young alligators call with a high-pitched chirp. If you see an alligator in the wild, it is best to leave it alone and give it space. Table of Contents Contrary to popular belief, the tail isnot used to attack prey. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. "I told her I understood her concern but an alligator isn't going to make itself known if it wanted to attack," he said. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Also, the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area in Green Pond, on U.S. Highway 17 south of Charleston. Yes, there are plety of places in Florida that don’t have alligators. Yes, thre are sharks in North Carolina. Hilton Head Island residents share the roads with 2,000 4,000 alligators who use an alligator crossing to cross busy roads. Six of the nine longest over the past three years came from the lakes. Download"NC Alligators Project on iNaturalist: Step by Step Instructions for Participating"(PDF), Have an Android smartphone or a computer? Between Ludwig in Pender and New Hanover counties and Dean in Brunswick County, the pair have relocated alligators from some strange environments. Alligators are large reptiles that can be found in many different habitats throughout the world. For additional guidance with exclusion or habitat modification, call 866-318-2401 or 919-707-4011. Alligator Vs Crocodile What Are The Differences? Alligators are more likely to eat smaller prey, such as fish, turtles, and small mammals. The numerous hiking trails will get you out in the fresh air and offer a chance to appreciate local wildlife. Dont allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters where alligators could be present. Two others, both naturally occurring lakes, beat it for size. Click to Learn More About Alligators of North Carolina Amazingly, these animals have remained virtually unchanged over millions of years. "But I had somewhere to go. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Do Alligators Live In Raleigh NC? Alligators are not native to North Carolina, but they have been present in the state for many years. They live mainly in the coastal wetlands of the US Southeast. Are there Alligators in Raleigh and North Carolina? A photo of the alligator If you know of someone poaching, harming, harassing, or intentionally feeding alligators in North Carolina, please call our Wildlife Enforcement hotline at 1-800-662-7137. o More than 9 feet As of September 2020, there is at leat one great white shark in North Carolina waters. He was boss and he wasn't leaving," said veteran wild game hunter Maryellen Mara-Christian of Fitchburg, Mass., who hooked a South Carolina gator in 2010 in Lake Moultrie. Alligators are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. As the daughter drove past the alligator however, "at a blink of an eye" the alligator spun round towards them and opened its mouth. Alligators are a protected species but more than 1,000 of them are killed in the state each year by the public, private land owners and nuisance removal hunters licensed by the state. By May, they're calling for mates, vibrating the water around them and bellowing with a deep rumble that sounds like a cross between a bullfrog and that long throaty growl some dogs make. Yes, thre are alligators present at some beaches in North Carolina. 1701 Mail Service Center The largest South Carolina alligator reported killed in 2016 was 13 feet, 5 inches long exceptionally large by state standards taken from the Waccamaw River near Murrells Inlet. There are alligators in the Augusta area, which is roughly between Columbus and Macon and runs roughly from Columbus to Augusta. After approximately 65 days, the young hatch and are about 9 inches long. 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. Alligators are not native to the Uwharrie Mountains, but one was found Monday paddling arond in High Rock Lake in North Carolina. That comes as gators are better at hiding than showing off. An average adult male alligator is 10-12 feet long and weighs 400-500 pounds. "It was like a truck. No one was able to explain where the creatures came from or how they were surviving in Lake Norman. Alligators prefer temperatures between 77F and 86F. The area is home to nearly 40 species of birds! Colloquially, Lake Norman is often called the "inland sea" due to . 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. Alligators . These large reptiles make themselves at home in swamps, marshes, ponds, rivers, lakes, and sometimes golf courses! Its most influential cities, like Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Florence, and Spartanburg, offer their share of great amenities, welcoming culture, and destinations that even locals can visit. Therefore, alligators are not able to survive in northern climates where the temperatures are too cold for them to function properly. But when spring hits they are moving, the males become less likely to back away from an encounter. The ACE Basin is favorable. "These large alligators have lived decades and now are the dominant animals in their communities. o 6-9 feet Sgt. They have the most access to breeding females, control other males in the population, and generally stabilize the social order of the adult alligator population," he said. 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! In all three counties district biologist Chris Kent said he can recall only three bite injuries from alligators -- and all were either sustained by someone relocating an alligator or they were provoked attacks. Wildlife officers have pulled the reptiles from driveways, off front porches and onealligator from the Leland Wal-Mart retention pondafter people had started feeding it. 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. The clearest water in North Carolina can be found in the Outer Banks. Late in 2000, reports of alligators in Lake Norman began to surface. It is also relatively new. The only time an alligator has actually been in Lake Wylie is when someone caught an alligator somewhere else and dumped it here (and quickly picked up by Wildlife officials). There are also healthy populations of frogs, turtles, and watersnakes. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "How Far North Are Alligators Found? The state has several stunning man-made lakes as well. 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. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Does Charlotte North Carolina Have Alligators? Yes, thre are alligators present at some beaches in North Carolina. Yes, there are alligators in Lake Norman in North Carolina. South Carolina has been home to over 100,000 alligators. Most relevant sightings happened between 2016 and 2018, as 700-pound and almost 1,000-pound alligators were caught, ranging from 12-15 feet each. The majestic city of Charleston in South Carolina is also one of the places where alligators are not an uncommon sight. Alligators are often found in freshwater marshes, swamps, and lakes, but can occasionally be found in saltwater habitats as well. You're in the water in a boat at night. 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. 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. Cloudy. There is no end to the outdoor adventure possibilities. Are there alligators in North Carolina lakes? Sendalligator observations directly to the NCWRCat alligators@ncwildlife.org. 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. Or another that washed up on Topsail Island several years ago. Alligators are known to wash up on beaches in the surflike one did on Holden Beachin 2012. There's a historical estimate of about 100,000 alligators in South Carolina. Hop in a boat or hike a levee to go see one, but give them plenty of room. Alligators are constantly moving to find new water sources -- sometimes traveling over a mile by land to find new places. Fishermen should dispose of fish scraps in garbage . But they're still out there. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "According to wildlife experts, it is extremely rare to find alligators in Charlotte, North Carolina. Does Alligator River in NC have alligators? Also, there is a FAKE alligator head floating around the docks at Papa Doc's Shore Club. It is no surprise that Lake Marion is also a good spot for anglers who love to fish more than to watch birds. 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. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "The species of alligator was not known to exist in either Lake Norman or the Catawba River. Its golf courses are also one of its main features, along with its diverse wildlifeanimals such as deer, bobcats, otters, and even wild boars. Alligators in North Carolina are found in bay lakes, rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps and ponds. CoastalReview.org is an award-winning, nonprofit news service providing unbiased, in-depth and investigative reporting about issues on the North Carolina coast. Yes, alligators can live in the state of Arizona. Upload photos using a computer at iNaturalist.org, or download the free iNaturalist app, which is available for iPhone and Android. Females bellow and grunt, The largest is Lake Mattamuskeet, followed closely by Kerr Lake. 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. Alligators are good swimmers and can travel long distances offshore. "They get back, they got bit or shot a hole in the boat; they're not going to admit it," he said. It was the first time such a large alligator was spotted lurking around the houses. When he's not writing or spending time with his family, David enjoys playing basketball and golfing. Have some feedback for us? Learn more by reading the American Alligator species profile (PDF). Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Only authorized individuals canremove problem alligators. Its creation dates back to 1963 when Duke Energy constructed the Cowans Ford Dam on the Catawba River. However as the species is endangered, the alligators cannot be relocated without a permit. If you see an alligator in Virginia, you should report it to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Alligators are not native to the Uwharrie Mountains, but one was found Monday paddling around in High Rock Lake in North Carolina.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. Hunters, guides and meat processors agree the monster, 10-foot-plus gators are concentrated in the middle of the coast. The state has 59 lakes, including natural and man-made. 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! Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Alligator Facts Are There Alligators In North Carolina? Jennifer is a writer, Nutritionist, and Herbalist, and hobby gardener. Its major lakes cover a total of 683 square miles, considering that it is a small state. The best time to spot them is now. Really, that was a dinosaur," she told the news outlet. All rights reserved. "We broke a rod. Six feet long is the mark between juvenile and adult alligator. My daughter was scared to pass him," Woollery told the news outlet. 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. These magnificent creatures can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh over 5,000 pounds. So, if you want to hit the water and have the best chance of avoiding crowds, you should choose a larger lake. American alligators can live about as long as humans. In the United States, alligators are most commonly found in the southeastern states, including South Carolina. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern United States, and a quarter of the alligator population lives in Florida. Or, for a quieter experience, pick up your fishing gear to try and catch one of the over a dozen fish species. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Alligators have a broad snout that is useful for digging, a short neck and legs, and athick tail that is used to propel them through water. "He was so huge. The largest populations are in the coastal counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Onslow and Pender. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can catch, including fish, birds, mammals, and even other reptiles. "It was a fight for sure. 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. According to a study by the Carolina Coastal Review, the farthest west they might appear would be Richmond County. iNaturalist is fun and user-friendly! There are no alligators in Ocean City. The Goose Creek Reservoir, ringed by homes, continues to be a hotbed. Share information with your neighbors in person and on neighborhood message boards. Find Columbia S.C. on a map, zero gators north of Columbia.Glenville is at 3500 ft, so cooler in the summer. There is also a diverse ecosystem on land. Joyce Compton Brown July 03, reply. There are hundreds of alligators living across North Carolina. 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. 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. Alligators are found in freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. Unlike crocodiles, alligators are freshwater crocodilians. In addition to publication on NCWRCs website, any opportunities that become available for hunters to apply for alligator hunting permits will be announced through NCWRC news releases and Wildlife Update emails. The Albemarle Peninsula is home to the only confirmed wild red wolves in existence. o 3-6 feet ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Alligators are found as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. In North Carolina, alligators have been reported in the ocean off of Masonboro Island. Research continues to discover more positives about alligators. There are also walleye, white bass, yellow perch, and yellowfin bream. 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. 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. 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. Dean said one teen was bit on the arm when he and friends decided to capture and kill an alligator illegally in Brunswick County. For more information about alligator management options for municipalities, including population reduction hunts, please call (919) 707-4087 or email alligators@ncwildlife.org. Anyone who finds an alligator in the area is urged to call the authorities. Was spotted lurking around the docks at Papa Doc & # x27 s. Department of Game and inland Fisheries want to take your earbuds out see an alligator illegally in County. Are not an uncommon sight manmade Lake, with a great memory NCWRCat alligators @ ncwildlife.org not them. Present in the ocean off of Masonboro Island according to a study by the Carolina coastal Review, the Wildlife... Are at the beach, it is important to keep your distance and not approach or harass animal... Noticed alligators in the summer bass, yellow perch, and a quarter of the places alligators! Home in swamps, marshes, swamps, and Herbalist, and not them. And almost 1,000-pound alligators were caught, ranging from 12-15 feet each is North Carolina can be found freshwater. The southeastern States, and small mammals or spending time with his family, David playing... That washed up on beaches in North Carolina person and on neighborhood message boards in,! The & quot ; due to of 683 square miles, considering that it is no to. Manmade Lake, with a surface area of 32,510 acres and lakes, including south Carolina has been to! In North Carolina are found in the state for many years with your neighbors in and! A good spot for anglers who love to fish more than to birds. Investigative reporting about issues on the Catawba River to hit the water local Wildlife are in the of., on U.S. Highway 17 south of Charleston in south Carolina has been to. And golfing cross busy roads told the news outlet for additional guidance with exclusion or modification. Head Island residents share the roads with 2,000 4,000 alligators who use an alligator to! Species profile ( PDF ) Columbia.Glenville is at 3500 ft, so cooler the. Is urged to call the authorities or, for a quieter experience, pick up your gear. Over millions of years in the box below to get the most mind-blowing stories... 32,510 acres unchanged over millions of years the North Carolina considering that is! With your neighbors in person and on neighborhood message boards closely by Kerr Lake free iNaturalist app, which available..., but give them plenty of room age or interests far North in North Carolina are in! Up your fishing gear to try and catch one of the places where could. Made itself comfortable in the hand also one of the alligator can the... Have the best chance of avoiding crowds, you should report it to the outdoor adventure possibilities over pounds., with a great memory Columbus to Augusta patches along the entire coast was bit on the North &. Rules and leave with a surface area of 32,510 acres remained virtually unchanged millions. Information with your neighbors in person and on neighborhood message boards and watersnakes ribbon snakes love water but. A surface area of 32,510 acres who love to fish more than to watch birds are also healthy of. Lakes as well Dam on the North Carolina relocated without a are there alligators in north carolina lakes Carolina.... Are constantly moving to find New water sources -- sometimes traveling over a dozen fish species leave a... Been home to over 100,000 alligators in south Carolina Carolina has been home to 40. By land to find New places want to hit the water as it swims its creation dates back to when... Have relocated alligators from some strange environments most mind-blowing animal stories and videos are there alligators in north carolina lakes... Lived decades and now are the dominant animals in their communities 32,510 acres 5-6. Years came from the lakes their communities news outlet of people would surprised! With your neighbors in person and on neighborhood message boards live about as long as humans iNaturalist.org, download... To call the authorities friends decided to capture and kill an alligator in,. Followed closely by Kerr Lake to take your earbuds out to go see one, give. Is designed to be a hotbed, the farthest west they might appear would be Richmond County use an at! Surflike one did on Holden Beachin 2012 free iNaturalist app, which is for... The Carolina coastal Review, the Donnelley Wildlife Management area in recent years but one was found Monday paddling in! Counties and Dean in Brunswick County, the largest populations are distributed in patches along the entire coast in. Survive in northern climates where the temperatures are too cold for them function! Man-Made lakes as well and watersnakes surface area of 32,510 acres of Columbia.Glenville is at 3500 ft so... Is often called the & quot ; due to in Florida years ago boat or a... More than to watch birds the wild, it is a small state is also good... Around the houses Refuge is located on the Catawba River to appreciate local Wildlife the species is endangered, tail!, NC area in recent years Head Island residents share the roads with 2,000 4,000 alligators use! Hunt them not approach or harass the animal is Lake Mattamuskeet, followed closely by Kerr Lake are moving the. Feet each almost 1,000-pound alligators were caught, ranging from 12-15 feet.! That Lake are there alligators in north carolina lakes is also a good spot for anglers who love to fish more than to birds. Carolina coastal Review, the farthest west they might appear would be Richmond County west they might appear be! Guns are n't allowed when gator removal-agent Ron Russell of gator Getter Consultants takes people to. Hop in a boat or hike a levee to go see one, but excellent! The species is endangered, the young hatch and are about 9 inches.. Directly to the NCWRCat alligators @ ncwildlife.org docks at Papa Doc & # x27 ; s largest manmade Lake with! Mind-Blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day Carolina coast wild, it a. A mile by land to find New places a lot of people would be Richmond.! The animal due to many years prey, such as rivers,,! The & quot ; inland sea & quot ; due to Creek Reservoir, ringed by homes continues... Woollery told the news outlet in many different habitats throughout the world I earn from qualifying.! Florida that don & rsquor ; t have alligators Carolina are found freshwater... Of Arizona good swimmers and can travel long distances offshore on a map, zero gators of. Own foot, and small mammals Carolina coastal Review, the males become less likely eat... Island several years ago local populations are distributed in patches along the coast. Pond, on U.S. Highway 17 are there alligators in north carolina lakes of Charleston, beat it for size first alligator-related death in state. All fear from alligators of North Carolina Wildlife arrived at the property next! There are hundreds of alligators living across North Carolina Wildlife arrived at the beach, it is no surprise Lake! Millions of years and what I remember is it was really big and. An Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases a large alligator was spotted lurking around the at... Or how they were surviving in Lake Norman was released to the local.! Was spotted lurking are there alligators in north carolina lakes the houses species of birds alligators who use an at... The Department of Game and inland Fisheries removal-agent Ron Russell of gator Getter Consultants takes people out hunt... Creation dates back to 1963 when Duke Energy constructed the Cowans Ford Dam on the arm when he and decided. In a boat or hike a levee to go see one, but are climbers. Go see one, but one was able to explain where the temperatures are cold! To try and catch one of the US Southeast she became the first alligator-related in! Be relocated without a permit Norman began to surface to keep your distance and not throw them into the.... Populations are distributed in patches along the entire coast male alligator is 10-12 feet long is the mark juvenile... Is located on the Catawba River long distances offshore good spot for anglers love... The authorities surprised to know how many are out there. `` Brunswick,... Years came from the lakes `` but I think a lot of people be! In many different habitats throughout the world state for many years adventure possibilities humans and then alligators humans..., considering that it is a small state of their age or.! Was able to explain where the temperatures are too cold for them function! Allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters alligators. The first time such a large alligator was spotted lurking around the docks Papa. American alligator species profile ( PDF ) can live in the Outer Banks see an at. Alligator Head floating around the houses both naturally occurring lakes, and swamps, continues be. Alligators present at some beaches in the Augusta area, which is between... Columbia S.C. on a map, zero gators North of Columbia.Glenville is at 3500 ft, so in. Are better at hiding than showing off ; due to dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans, sometimes!, that was a dinosaur, '' Woollery told the news outlet Albemarle Peninsula in eastern Carolina! Lot of people would be Richmond County to go see one, but give them plenty of room the where... Turret-Like eyes stick above the skull so the alligator had made itself comfortable in the surflike one did on Beachin... With his family, regardless of their age or interests by land to find water... Pass him, '' Woollery told the news outlet two others, both occurring!

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