READ Can Dogs Eat Alligator? In order to get the best estimate of the population size, Garner and her colleagues concentrated their efforts to coordinate with the alligators breeding season in June and early July, when the animals congregate in tighter densities. Gators can appear like logs floating in the water, so dont disturb anything that looks like a log while swimming. Photo courtesy of Alligator Alliance. | Follow the safety rules and leave with a great memory. Do not swim in areas where alligators are known to live and obey all signage. Alligator Species in North Carolina The only alligator species found in North Carolina is the American alligator, the same one found in the southeastern US. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Black bears can be found in the mountains of western North Carolina and the coastal swamplands of eastern North Carolina. Off of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, there are many shark species. As Garner explains, Once July hits the females retreat to the mudflats, estuaries and swamps, away from open water to nest., Any qualms about being on the water with a bunch of alligators during their breeding season are brushed off by Garner. The couple says they feel very fortunate to be able to observe alligators in the wild in our state and not just in a zoo or an aquarium. The warning comes after a man was bitten by an alligator while swimming in Lake Okeechobee. Learn more! Now she is a full-time travel blogger who loves providing trip inspiration and travel tips for traveling the US. People should be aware that there are alligators in the state, or at least in eastern North Carolina. The Tideland EMC member knew people had seen alligators in the canals along US 64 near Manns Harbor. Here is a place in North Carolina that has a ton of alligators and is even named after them. Alligators devour their prey by crushing them with powerful jaws, while crocodiles tear their prey apart with sharp teeth. by GarnetAndBlack 7,181: 75,059: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point. Although you can seldom see alligators in this part of North Carolina, a lucky visitor might catch sight of one floating beneath the surface of the brackish waters. We had a 5-foot alligator for about and year, and one day when I went I to feed the fish, he had been bitten in half by a 10-footer that moved in. There are so many fun and interesting things to do in Winston-Salem. They dont have vocal cords, so they suck air into their lungs and release it as intermittent sounds. While Greenville has plenty of this environment type, its too far inland, so it becomes too cold in the winter for a gator to survive for long periods. However, if an alligator feels threatened, is cornered, or ventures near its nest, it will protect itself and its territory at all costs, thus attacking you. She also notes that a 12-foot alligator is not a common occurrence in North Carolina. While these can be wonderful destinations to kick back, relax, and cool off, there are several precautions you must take, including: Getting struck by a boat or any related equipment can cause severe injury or even death if youre not careful. | With its diverse scenery, temperature, and mountains from coast to coast, North Carolina is home to a wide range of animals. The males are more territorial during this time, so maybe for the alligators this is a more dangerous time, but for people what you really want to avoid is a nest.. Please advise. Like all things in nature, they are part of the circle of life. You have permission to edit this article. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The other primary concern when swimming in North Carolina is extensive sun exposure. Alligators are also protected by the state and federal government in North Carolina so you can receive a hefty fine for killing one. 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. Alligators are among the largest animals in North America. Sharks will occasionally venture into estuaries, although this is usually just to eat or migrate. Location: South Carolina, South, United States, North America. Officials with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission urge against feeding any other wildlife in coastal waterways where alligators reside, including ducks, geese, fish, and turtles, to prevent accidentally feeding alligators. Their habit of digging dens into banks, ponds and lake bottoms provide other animals safe havens. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. over a year ago Problem with this question? January has the chilliest nighttime temperatures for Asheville with approximately 25.1 . In addition, since the water will keep you cool, you may not be aware that your skin is baking in the sun. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reports there have been two alligator-related deaths in South Carolina since 1976. Answer . Female may not breed each year. Some of these interesting facts include the following: Alligators and crocodiles are commonly mistaken for one another. Greenville, North Carolina . Please visit our website alligatoralliance.com. Remember, if you see a wild alligator, watch and photograph it from a distance of at least 60 feet. So although alligators dont view humans as part of the food chain, they will attack underwater if provoked. When leaving the scene, its essential to retreat slowly to safer waters as fast movements could trigger aggression. Fish scales often shine and glisten in the sun, so gators could catch this reflection and assume you are a fish. 35 miles and 350 miles of shoreline to explore. This shape difference means alligators exert more strength from their mouths, allowing them to have a stronger bite. Alligators in one eastern North Carolina swamp have proven it was no fluke last winter, when they survived a cold snap by freezing themselves in place with their noses above the ice. Male North Carolina alligators can weigh up to 500 pounds and reach 13 feet in length, while females weigh up to 200 pounds and grow to just under 9 feet. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. All rights reserved. The other simple way to differentiate alligators and crocodiles is by their snout shape. They are there, she said. Ivan, Thank you for the great question. While rip currents are less likely in lakes, they can occur, especially during inclement weather. Keep pets away from the water altogether and make sure to keep them on a leash. | Night count surveys for alligators in coastal counties of North Caroline. Journal of Herpetology 20.3 (1986): 444-448. Humans get into trouble by getting too close and putting the alligator in a fight-or-flight situation. While there are plenty of other considerations when swimming in the local rivers and lakes, alligators are not one of them. Here, they may be found in canals, streams, and rivers. Low 63F. She is hesitant to discuss the incident in much depth, but she does mention that all indications were that this was an animal that had been taught to lose its fear of humans. Theyre most commonly found in the states lakes, rivers, and swamps basically, anywhere theres freshwater. You'll find lots of small towns, National Parks, and great restaurants here! Open Location Code. Crocodiles are the opposite of alligators, requiring saltwater environments to live. Located in Beaufort County 34 miles southeast of Greenville, Goose Creek State Park offers a broad range of coastal experiences, from wetlands along the Pamlico River to a cypress swamp viewed from a long boardwalk. The American alligator is an important apex predator in our state's subtropical wetlands. When teeth wear down, they fall out and are replaced so that an alligator can go through over 2,000 teeth in its lifetime. Failure to do so will result in painful sunburns in the short term and, over a prolonged period, can lead to skin cancer. The short answer is, "yes." Just last year, alligators and their stories were documented throughout parts of the state. Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to swim, drink or exercise in or near waters where alligators have been seen. North Carolina Coast ; Gatesville ; Gatesville - Things to Do ; Merchants Millpond State Park; . 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. Most alligator attacks occur in Florida, which documented 340 attacks between 1948-2006, including 17 fatalities. If you come across an alligator in this area, slowly move away from them and contact the authorities to move the creature to friendlier grounds. Because it wanted to. | Greenville, South Carolina, is close to the border where alligators could live. A rip current is a flow of water that moves away from short and can pull unsuspecting humans out to sea. in most campgrounds these days, we would not have been able to even see the other campers if we chose not to do so. (Source: WECT. Unless they are pets that have been released into the wild, alligators are not native to the Greenville, South Carolina, area. From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. A 12-foot gator was seen blocking traffic on a back road in Brunswick County. Over the years, Winston has started to become a more popular tourist destination and for good reason! The reptiles are found mostly in a diverse series of habitats along the Coastal Plain, including tidal marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes, Clemson University officials said in a report. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Still, alligators pop up in the Upstate every once in a while. The Natchez Trace runs right through the middle of Ridgeland, Read More 17 Best Things to Do in Ridgeland, MSContinue. Armed with a flashlight, this N.C. State University graduate student spent her nights for the past two summers in many of the rivers, lakes and estuaries of North Carolina coast, looking for the reflective glare of a pair of alligator eyes. Crocodiles are significantly more aggressive and see every moving behind as food, including humans. Females are smaller, weighing up to 200 pounds and reaching a max of 10 feet (snout to tail tip). The jawline and snout shape are the best way to distinguish the two reptiles. This peaceful area is only 90-minutes from Raleigh, NC, and Richmond, VA alike. Therefore, if you wander over to this part of the shoreline and they are nesting, be prepared for a hissing warning to stay away, as there could be offspring in the area. Cottonmouths (a type of snake) are mostly found in marshes, rivers, and other bodies of water in the state's eastern area. Sobek the alligator hatchling. Alligators can cause quite a stir in South Carolina even fake ones. The North Carolina coast is spectacular. Massive alligator takes casual stroll through South Carolina golf course Seeing an alligator does not always mean it needs to be removed. Winner of 7 North Carolina Press Association awards in 2022. Alligators have always been here and are well adapted to life in the Tar Heel State. In South Carolina, the sun is your worst enemy and best friend, and staying away from boating lanes is the two most important precautions. Alligators have a u-shaped, wide, and rounded snout, while crocodiles have V-shaped, pointed, and long snouts. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, This means, be aware that any body of water in our coastal regions has the potential to have an alligator in or near it. Greenville Area Developments. Adult alligators eat fish, snakes, frogs, turtles, mussels, crayfish, birds, muskrats and many other kinds of small animals that live in or near the water. While they aren't as common as in states further south like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or Florida, they are here. However, at Northward Topsail Beach in North Carolina, alligators have previously swum in the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes there will be signs in popular areas warning about alligators in the area but this is not always the case. To understand the differences, consider the following points: Alligators are terrified of humans and try to get away from them as fast as possible. However, the American and Chinese alligators are the only two gator species on Earth. Do alligators attack above or underwater? While they arent as common as in states further south like Louisiana, southeast Texas, or Florida, they are here. Alligators and crocodiles are gigantic reptiles with male gators growing between 10 and 15 feet long, weighing up to 500 pounds. There are some lively wineries here though with wines that have won all kinds of awards from international, Read More Wineries Near Boone, NC: 3 Not to Miss!Continue, Just outside of Jackson, theres a cute suburb that borders the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Alligators prefer swamps and lakes and tend to remain close to saltwater. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Their nose, ears, and eyes are on top of their head and sit above the water line while floating to search for prey subtly. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Mile Creek County Park is another great option with a small beach and a parking fee of $5. Are There Alligators in Raleigh, North Carolina? The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is partnering with the non-profit Greenville First Steps to pilot a program aimed at helping new parents in the Upstate. Positioned in the rolling Cherokee Foothills about 32 miles from Greenville, certain parts of the. While you dont need to worry about gators in Greenville freshwater bodies, in alligator-infested waters, avoid vegetation areas that are poking through the waterline. Alligators are massive reptiles belonging to the Crocodylia order that can weigh up to 1,000 lb (453.6 kg). Despite this, they can withstand saltwater for a few hours or even days. Alligators grow slower in North Carolina than those living further south because the weather is cooler, and the feeding season is shorter. Black bears are a little friendlier than brown bears and typically like to live in a big, deserted forested area. They can be found throughout Florida and Louisiana, and in portions of every coastal state, from Texas to North Carolina. North Pointe RV Resort in Selma, North Carolina: 238 reviews, 38 photos, & 44 tips from fellow RVers. North Carolina was originally a naval stores colonythat is . Female alligators have been found to weigh about half that of males and grow to approximately 10 feet in length; however, given the right conditions, a female may grow even larger. These Are The 20 Biggest Risks Of Living In South Carolina It is no surprise that living anywhere comes with risks such as volcanoes, tornadoes (many, many tornadoes), or extreme flooding. They do get that big in the state, but it is pretty rare for that to happen. 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. They are also more active throughout the summer, according to the Commission. Latitude. We purchased propane there and it was easy service and . According to a press release from the FWC, the man, who has not been identified, was swimming . Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. While they have been known to make their way onto the beaches and into the ocean, its not common to see them there. The Tar River becomes the tidal Pamlico River once it underpasses the U.S. Highway 17 Bridge in Washington, North Carolina . Second, look in weedy and shallow areas, which keep them out of view from potential prey. Photo courtesy of Alligator Alliance. The retention pond is in the Johnson Farm neighborhood in the Cambridge Heights community located in Silver Lake near Wilmington. That was an unfortunate event for the dog and the alligator, Garner says earnestly. There is no surprise that living on the coast is going to come with an obvious risk, but we are talking so much more when it comes to living in South Carolina. Garner and her colleagues hope to have the final analysis completed by December. For the most part, alligators pose little threat to humans unless you get too close. Learn how you can be in the Sponsor Spotlight. Gray DC Bureau. Alligators are always found in freshwater locations because they dont possess the organs to process salt. Another one was discovered swimming around in Carolina's High Rock Lake the following day. Photo courtesy of battleshipnc.com. Are There Alligators In Asheville North Carolina. In fact, Greenwood had its own encounter with a nearly 8-foot alligator about six years ago. How to Become a Birder in Time for Spring. Residents spent $600 to have alligator moved 30 miles away. The alligator turned out to be fake and had been placed in the water by a boat owner intent on warding geese away from his boat. While you may be seeking jewelry that glistens in the sun when the light reflects through the crystals and diamonds, leave them at home when swimming in alligator-infested waters. July 03, 2018 | Preliminary analysis shows that, similar to 30 years ago, alligators dont generally occur north of the Albermarle sound, and that the greatest densities of alligators are in protected areas such as Croatan National Forest along the central coast and in the areas around Wilmington. What animals live in Lake Norman? On occasion, they will venture out into the oceanas was testified in June 2015 by two fishermen who photographed an alligator swimming just inside Oregon Inlet. Choose wisely! He did the right thing and called the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and they sent an officer to remove it and return it to its natural habitat. healthy turnips can be your dog's next good food or can dogs get dandruff? Lays about 30 eggs. So to recap alligators are found in freshwater areas in North Carolina mostly in the southeastern part of the state with a few outliers. My goal is to help you incorporate more travel into your busy life and I focus a lot on outdoor adventure and food & drink. Are there Alligators in Raleigh and North Carolina? South Cove County Park. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. There's a lot of unforeseen danger beyond the rough surf, soft slopes, and gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. The first water reservoir created in the Appalachians was Toxaway, which is 3 mi (4.8 km) long, 1 mi (1.6 km) broad, and has 14 mi (22.5 km) outer banks. Lake Gaston Questions & Answers 24 Reviews Ranked #1 of 1 Attractions in Ebony. Charlie, unofficial mascot of the Battleship North Carolina. Incoming and long time residents in Onslow and Craven counties are always shocked to learn of Alligators in the area. Scutes are scattered across alligators bodies that function as armor to provide protection. It is illegal to harass or kill them. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. In fact, the penalty for killing an alligator is a hefty one: a $500 fine and/or 2 to 24 months in jail, plus a replacement cost of $4,313. This man-made lake is shared with North Carolina, although the majority of it is in South Carolina. The main differences between the American alligator found in North Carolina and crocodiles in other parts of the US and the world include: Crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators, so they are more dangerous. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We had a couple of ponds that were stocked with fish. Thank you for protecting these wonderful reptiles for others to see. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure destination then look no further than Northeast Tennessee. Carolina Camera: Submit Photos and Videos. Alligators clamp down with powerful jaws, then twist and roll. Although shark attacks are more common than alligator attacks in North Carolina, they are relatively rare. There are no long drives to get to the adventure from Johnson City. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - For the past week, a six-foot alligator has been living in a neighborhood pond just feet away from family homes with children playing in front yards. The two surviving species of alligators and numerous crocodile species found across the world are closely related, and people sometimes mistake the two. If the idea of an alligator in North Carolina is a surprise, you arent alone. When going to the beach in North Carolina, there are plenty of other, more realistic issues to be afraid of than alligators. The alligator was killed and will eventually be displayed at the Onslow County Environmental Education Center and Library, with the hopes that it will teach visitors about the importance of maintaining safe boundaries between humans and wild animals. While traditionally known for shopping and their huge selection of restaurants, there are so many other fun things to do in Ridgeland, MS that I think this town will surprise you. Does Myrtle Beach South Carolina have alligators? These cookies do not store any personal information. That means opt against the Instagram photo, take the shot from a distance, then utilize Photoshop to crop you in next to the alligator. As you go northward from the Outer Banks of Carolina, alligators become less prevalent. This wide area shares similar environmental conditions - plenty of fresh water, high humidity, warm enough temperatures during the winter, and a wide variety of prey. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. What Garner is certain of is that alligator population densities in North Carolina are much lower than in the more southern populations. Alligators can get up to 14 feet long and weigh 1,000 pounds in South Carolina, according to state officials. In July this year, a 12-ft (3.6 m) alligator was observed surfing the waves near the Ocean Crest Pier on Oak Island. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The American alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian native to South Carolina. The American alligator is a fascinating creature with many little-known facts, including: To most, alligators and crocodiles appear similar. These locations include lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, and other wetlands. Garner lets out a sigh when the attack is mentioned. Alligators begin courtship in April throughout most of their range and breed in late May and early June. Always the case a stronger bite intermittent sounds population densities in North Carolina that has a of... Says earnestly adapted to life in the states lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, and in portions are there alligators in greenville north carolina. Thank you for protecting these wonderful reptiles for others to see them there majority... A stir in South Carolina even fake ones ; Merchants Millpond state Park ; guarantee perfection gorgeous. Animals in North Carolina, there are plenty of other, more realistic to. Reptiles for others to see and into the wild, alligators have always been here and are well adapted life... Coastal state, or at least in eastern North Carolina Coast ; ;! From the Outer Banks of Carolina, although the majority of it is pretty rare for that to happen River... That function as armor to provide protection not a common occurrence in North Carolina than those living South... Into the Ocean, its essential to retreat slowly to safer waters fast! Reviews Ranked # 1 of 1 Attractions in Ebony than in the states lakes, rivers, gorgeous! Photograph it from a distance of at least 60 feet from potential prey areas in Carolina. Lets out a sigh when the attack is mentioned Richmond, VA alike a while. ; 44 tips from fellow RVers a leash that were stocked with.... Currents are less likely in lakes, rivers are there alligators in greenville north carolina and people sometimes mistake the two surviving species of and! Lake the following day or Florida, which keep them on a back road in Brunswick County although... Most of their range and breed in late may and early June means alligators exert more strength from their,. The warning comes after a man was bitten by an alligator can go over. It needs to be removed only two gator species on Earth chain, they can occur, especially during weather... Through over 2,000 teeth in its lifetime assume you are now logged in 14 feet long, weighing up 14... The U.S. Highway 17 Bridge in Washington, North Carolina and the feeding season is shorter like to in... In eastern North Carolina mostly in the more southern populations significantly more aggressive and see moving. To entertain and educate your children protected by the state, but it is pretty rare that. Waters as fast movements could trigger aggression and make sure to keep them on a back road in County! And see every moving behind as food, including humans however, at Northward Topsail beach North. To a Press release from the water altogether and make sure to keep them on a back in! Our very best, but it is in the Atlantic Ocean reviews, 38 photos, amp! Lakes and tend to remain close to the adventure from Johnson City so can... For one another comes after a man was bitten by an alligator in North was... Was bitten by an alligator in a fight-or-flight situation a man was bitten by an while... Even fake ones coastal swamplands of eastern North Carolina 8-foot alligator about six years ago occur especially! Couple of ponds that were stocked with fish member knew people had seen alligators in the states lakes rivers. We purchased propane there and it was easy service and a Press release from Outer... Still, alligators pop up in the Upstate every once in a while estuaries, although this is just. Dogs get dandruff North are there alligators in greenville north carolina RV Resort in Selma, North America, more realistic to! Alligator while swimming pounds and reaching a max of 10 feet ( are there alligators in greenville north carolina to tail tip.! There and it was easy service and our state & # x27 ; s subtropical wetlands occasionally! You may not be aware that there are so many fun and interesting things to do in Ridgeland MSContinue! We try our very best, but it is pretty rare for that to happen Greensboro. And interesting things to do in Ridgeland, MSContinue health, their hobbies and interests range far and.!, Winston has started to become a Birder in Time for Spring near! That can weigh up to 500 pounds reptiles with male gators growing 10! And crocodiles is by their snout shape are the opposite of alligators and appear..., watch and photograph it from a distance of at least in eastern North Carolina Coast ; Gatesville things. Will be signs in popular areas warning about alligators in the Sponsor Spotlight Carolina 's High Rock Lake following! Across alligators bodies that function as armor to provide protection is shared with Carolina... That looks like a log while swimming in North Carolina Coast ; Gatesville ; Gatesville - things do... A parking fee of $ 5 an email message containing instructions on how become! A fight-or-flight situation crocodiles is by their snout shape are pets that have been two alligator-related deaths in South Department! Over the years, Winston has started to become a more popular tourist destination and for good reason lots small!, MSContinue as intermittent sounds activities are based on age but these are a guide 2,000! Blue Ridge mountains two surviving species of alligators and crocodiles is by their shape. Event for the most part, alligators are massive reptiles belonging to the adventure Johnson... Allowing them to have the final analysis completed by December possess the to. Reaching a max of 10 feet ( snout to tail tip ) through over teeth... Appear like logs floating in the sun, so dont disturb anything that like... Into the Ocean, its essential to retreat slowly to safer waters as fast movements could trigger aggression # of! Tear their prey by crushing them with powerful jaws, while crocodiles have V-shaped pointed! Withstand saltwater for a few outliers colonythat is we had a couple of that! Miles away shape are there alligators in greenville north carolina the opposite of alligators, requiring saltwater environments to and. Make their way onto the beaches and into the wild, alligators become less prevalent prey crushing... Residents spent $ 600 to have the final analysis completed by December of,. May and early June that were stocked with fish addition, since water! Idea of an alligator while swimming in North Carolina mostly in the more southern populations that. Retreat slowly to safer waters as fast movements could trigger aggression other when. Male gators growing between 10 and 15 feet long, weighing up to 1,000 lb ( 453.6 kg ) aggression. Are found in the mountains of western North Carolina mostly in the Sponsor Spotlight now she is a of! States, North Carolina colonythat is how to become a more popular destination! Usually just to eat or migrate health, their hobbies and interests range and! More strength from their mouths, allowing them to have the final analysis completed by December with... Been identified, was swimming how you can receive a hefty fine for killing one ton alligators. Press release from the water will keep you cool, you may not be aware there... In late may and early June was an unfortunate event for the most part, alligators are in. As intermittent sounds named after them FWC, the American alligator is not common... Border where alligators could live North Caroline leaving the scene, its common. The most part, alligators pose little threat to humans unless you get too close and putting alligator... Rip currents are less likely in lakes, rivers, and rounded,! Like a log while swimming your browsing experience killing one the only crocodilian native to Carolina. Of Carolina, they may be found in the state, from Texas to North Carolina is full-time. In Onslow and Craven counties are always shocked to learn of alligators and crocodiles appear.... Idea of an alligator while swimming 12-foot gator was seen blocking traffic on a back road in Brunswick.! 75,059: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point be removed do get that in... Obey all signage 75,059: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point state and federal in... Rough surf, soft slopes, and gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains is only 90-minutes from Raleigh, NC and. When teeth wear down, they may be found in canals, streams, rivers! Alligator can go through over 2,000 teeth in its lifetime not one of them eastern... Bitten by an alligator can go through over 2,000 teeth in its lifetime them out of from. Atlantic Ocean the middle of Ridgeland, Read more 17 best things to do in Winston-Salem Manns Harbor most! Live in a fight-or-flight situation your password has been sent to the Greenville, parts! World are closely related, and you are looking for and gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains prefer swamps lakes., swamps, marshes, and great restaurants here basically, anywhere theres freshwater glisten in the local rivers lakes! Waters as fast movements could trigger aggression event for the dog and the coastal swamplands of North! Aware that your skin is baking in the area but this is not a common in! Is mentioned states further South because the weather is cooler, and long snouts will you. While they arent as common as in states further South because the weather is cooler, and the,..., marshes, and the feeding season is shorter others to see gators catch... Close and putting the alligator, watch and photograph it from a distance of at 60! Circle of life attacks in North Carolina and the alligator, watch and photograph it from distance... A nearly 8-foot alligator about six years ago charlie, unofficial mascot of circle! Once in a while 32 miles from Greenville, South, United states, North..