COLUMBIA, S.C. — Yes! The weather is getting warmer and that usually means trips to nearby lakes and rivers for afternoons of fishing, swimming, boating, floating, and all other types of water fun.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) wants residents to enjoy their time on the water and use caution and safety at all times. The agency also wants to remind you that nearly any body of water in the state's coastal plain -- generally the counties of Marlboro, Darlington, Sumter, Barnwell, Bamberg, Orangeburg, Calhoun, Florence, Marion, Dillon, Horry, Georgetown, Williamsburg, Berkeley, Clarendon, Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton, Hampton, Allendale, Jasper, and Beaufort -- will have alligators.
Since alligators are reptiles, as the weather warms, they become more active. Typically, alligators less than 4 feet long are not large enough to be dangerous to humans unless handled. SCDNR wants you to keep these safety tips in mind when dealing with alligators:
- never approach an alligator of any size. Keep your distance and leave them alone.
- alligators can move fast in quick bursts over short distances. If an alligator hisses at you, back off, you're too close.
- never feed an alligator. It is illegal to feed an alligator in South Carolina AND it teaches the alligator to associate humans with food. Do not dispose of fish scraps or crab bait in the water at boat ramps, docks, swimming or camping areas. If you see someone feeding an alligator, call SCDNR at 1-800-922-5431
- avoid swimming in areas where alligators may frequent. Don't forget, the larger the alligator, the larger the prey it will go after. Alligators are more active at night and can mistake people splashing in the water as prey. Never swim alone and be mindful of designated swimming areas. Stay away from steep drop-offs, stumps, rocks, and other underwater obstructions in undesignated swimming areas.
- keep pets out of the water if alligators are present. SCDNR says if an alligator grabs your per, let go of the leash.
- never attempt to move an alligator by yourself. If the animal is in a place where it reasonably cannot get back to water without posing a risk to itself or others, or if it is in a location that presents an immediate hazard -- such as a road, school, parking lot, pool, etc. -- call SCDNR at 1-800-922-5431