Alligators in South Carolina

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian native to South Carolina. Though once listed as a federally endangered species, populations have rebounded and the alligator's status has been upgraded to threatened due to its similarity of appearance to the threatened American crocodile. Populations of alligators in South Carolina have done so well, that the DNR instituted a hunting season in 2008. There are only two species of alligator, the American alligator occurring in the southern United States, and the smaller Chinese alligator from eastern China. American alligators can live to be more than 60 years old and attain lengths greater than 13 feet.

University of Georgia, SREL

• American alligator species information
• How to be safe around alligators?

Hunting information for alligators

• Alligator Harvest Information
• Lottery hunt information

Additional resources for alligators

• American alligator - ACE Basin species gallery
• Complaint Numbers for Nuisance Alligators
• National Geographic - American alligator
• SC Aquarium Species Guide
• Alligator Brochure
• Do's and Don'ts of Living with Alligators
• At Home Nuisance Alligator Prevention Tips

State Wildlife Action Plan

• American alligator - PDF

For alligator and other wildlife-related emergencies, call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-922-5431.

Morgan Hart, Alligator Project Leader
Office: (843) 546-0113