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Are there crocodiles in the carolinas
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No. Crocodiles are only found in South Florida, in the United States. Alligators are found as far North as North Carolina. Crocodiles are not native to North Carolina, but two extremely rare Orinoco crocodiles are now living on one of the state’s barrier islands.
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Oct 22, · Do crocodiles live in North Carolina? These creatures were almost obliterated from the state in the last century. But they’ve since made a comeback, and can now be found . Crocodiles are not native to North Carolina, but two extremely rare Orinoco crocodiles are now living on one of the state’s most popular beaches. The first crocodile to be spotted on . Dec 14, · The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the only crocodilian native to South tions of alligators in South Carolina have done so well, that the DNR .
Alligators in North Carolina – Carolina Country.
When that happens, they lose their natural fear of humans and are often relocated or euthanized. If we all use a common-sense approach, we can co-exist with them. This means, be aware that any body of water in our coastal regions has the potential to have an alligator in or near it. It also means stay away from them, do not feed or harass them and of course, keep children and pets away from them.
If alligators are left alone they can exist as the wild animals they were intended to be, and we can all continue to enjoy these marvels of nature in their natural habitats. They have survived for millions of years and this is their home. Even though their numbers have increased, alligators are classified as a threatened species.
It is illegal to harass or kill them. Seeing an alligator does not always mean it needs to be removed. Normally, according to wildlife experts, give it time and space and it likely will move on. But, if it is in a place that will cause danger to people, pets or livestock you should call a wildlife officer and let them do the removing.
Cases of alligators in the wrong places at the wrong time often make the news. Two such newsworthy stories in North Carolina include the foot, pound Dare County gator killed when a van hit it in May The van was damaged but drivable, the people in the van unhurt. It took heavy equipment to remove the dead alligator from the highway. Another story that made the news happened in Swan Quarter, where a man found an eight-foot long alligator in his garage.
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. Why it is important to preserve alligators? Like all things in nature, they are part of the circle of life. They are important to the ecosystem of the coastal wet lands.
They provide food for other species that eat their eggs and hatchlings. Their habit of digging dens into banks, ponds and lake bottoms provide other animals safe havens.
In turn, alligators feed on and control populations of everything from insects to snakes, birds and small mammals. Remember, if you see a wild alligator, watch and photograph it from a distance of at least 60 feet.
Follow the safety rules and leave with a great memory. Share Tweet Share Pin Email. Joyce Compton Brown July 03, reply. Angela Flythe Holt August 20, reply. Ivan Orisek December 29, reply. John McNeill January 05, reply.
Carolina Country January 05, reply. Military on the Move April 11, reply. Susan Pearce September 20, reply. Beach Guy December 11, reply. Select a Different Cooperative. October Table of Contents. Current Issue. Feature Story. July Albert the alligator. Sobek the alligator hatchling. Alligator Safety Tips and Regulations Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to swim, drink or exercise in or near waters where alligators have been seen. Watch young children closely and never leave them unattended near any body of water.
Call to report an alligator near a home, business or disrupting traffic on a public road. Visit bit. North Carolina is a birding paradise. Get up close to animals in the Piedmont and the mountains. Comments 9. Excellent article. We should keep in mind that alligators, like all moms, are quite defensive of their young.
Great work! I believe alligators deserve our respect and protection! They are vital parts of the ecosystems they inhabit! How do you swim safely in lakes and rivers of North Carolina when there could be a foot alligator swimming with you? I have done it but now, I am not sure. Please advise. Ivan, Thank you for the great question. We get this question a lot. The large reptile was caught in the surf and may actually have made his way up the southeastern coast — from Florida — by swimming, plain and simple.
After being caught, the croc — an endangered species, exempt from dispatch — was sent back to Florida to live in the wild or an alligator park. Outside of the States, these large creatures carve out homes in the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. Common environments for crocodiles include mangrove swamps, creeks, lagoons on coasts, tidal estuaries, mouths of rivers, lakes, damp wetlands, bays with ample mangrove trees, coves and ponds. These relatively meek creatures exist in saltwater and freshwater settings alike.
Loss of habitat in their native range from urban development and pressure from shrimp farming are problematic for the species. Shrimp farming often ruins mangrove swamps, and these swamps are a choice croc habitat.
By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. Florida Crocodiles in Florida live mostly in Everglades and Biscayne national parks. South Carolina In , a 6-foot American crocodile made a rare appearance outside Florida — at South Carolina’s Isle of Palms, a common spot for vacationing.