Lowcountry Natives: The American Alligator

Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If this is your first time visiting our blog, we’re happy to have you here. We are all about nature, adventure, and making the most out of the beautiful outdoors of South Carolina. If you enjoy all things hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the blog, we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts, and nature programs. Our site is filled with interactive maps, destination guides, and educational resources. Since the weather is getting warmer, we want to help you get out there and take advantage of all that the Lowcountry has to offer! We offer guided tours of the beautiful Lowcountry by kayak, paddleboard, ferry, boat, and private charter. We also have hands-on workshops taught by highly-trained guides on wilderness skills, birding, identifying native plants, sustainability, and camping. Basically, anything you want to learn about, we teach! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a look around our site to learn more about our offerings. In our last post, we talked about some of our furry friends found throughout South Carolina: Foxes! Today, we’ll be turning our attention to some of our not-so-furry friends that can be found in the Lowcountry: Alligators! These fascinating creatures can be found all over the wetlands of the state. If you’re interested in learning more about these wonderful reptiles, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!

 

Alligators are large reptiles in the order crocodilia, which consists of predatory, semi-aquatic reptiles. The name “alligator” comes from the Spanish term “el lagarto”, meaning “the lizard”, which was what Spanish settlers called the creature. However, due to mispronunciation by English speakers, the term was converted to “aligarto” and later to “alligator”, which is still used today. Alligators as we know them today have been around for approximately 85 million years. However, their ancestors evolved around 245 million years ago! So, while alligators are not dinosaurs, their ancestors were closely related to them. 

 

The American alligator is likely what most of us are familiar with. This species is native to the Southeastern United States and can be found from the Everglades of Florida to the wetland areas of Texas. They are generally black in color, but colors can vary from olive to brown or gray. The underside, or belly, of the alligator is a cream color. They have webbed feet and extremely powerful tails that aid them in swimming. The American alligator has rows of rough scales, or scutes, along its back which act as a protective “armor”. These scales are called osteoderms and are bony plates embedded beneath the dermal layers of the skin and linked by fibrous connective tissue. Not only do they protect the alligator’s internal organs and tissues, but they also aid in temperature regulation.

 

Alligators have a large, broad, U-shaped snout, which helps differentiate them from crocodiles, which have a narrow, V-shaped snout. The American alligator generally has 74 to 80 cone-shaped teeth, with no molars for crushing or chewing. In fact, due to their massive jaw muscles, they are unable to chew. Instead, they use their teeth to clamp down on their prey, which they then swallow whole. Something interesting about the alligator’s mouth is that the upper jaw has special sockets which are fitted for the bottom teeth– When the alligator closes its mouth, the bottom teeth slot perfectly into the sockets. Alligators often break or lose teeth, but this is no problem for the reptile. Thanks to odontogenic stem cells in their jaws, alligators can begin growing new teeth almost immediately. They can regenerate new teeth almost as quickly as humans can regrow fingernails. 

 

Alligators are carnivores, meaning they feed on meat. They predominantly eat fish, frogs, birds, invertebrates, and mammals– Using their teeth to capture their prey, they eat anything that will fit in their mouths. Young alligators will feed on smaller fish, frogs, and insects, but as they grow, so does the size of their prey. Alligators mainly hunt at night and are known as “ambush” predators, which means that they capture prey via luring, stealth, or utilizing an element of surprise. They typically conceal themselves within the water and wait for prey to come close. Then, they will rush forward to grab the prey with their teeth. Larger prey is usually dragged under the water, drowned, and eaten. 

 

When it comes to habitat, alligators are found extensively in wetlands, swamps, and marshes. They prefer slow-moving water that is relatively deep. In South Carolina, alligators make great use of coastal marshlands. In fact, the ACE Basin is one of their most important nesting sites. Rarely, they can sometimes be found in areas where salt and freshwater mix, like salt marshes. Alligators cannot tolerate salt water for long because they lack salt glands so they are primarily freshwater creatures. Alligators are cold-blooded, meaning they cannot generate internal heat. Despite this, they are generally active in South Carolina year-round. They can, however, go dormant when the weather becomes cold. This means that they simply slow down their bodily functions, differing from hibernation. 

 

Breeding season can vary depending on the alligator’s location because the onset coincides with warmer weather. Alligators typically start reproducing at 10 to 12 years old, with breeding taking place in shallow water. In South Carolina, nest construction and egg-laying take place during the month of June. Nests are located on high ground, usually about 3 to 18 feet above the water’s edge. The female alligator typically makes the nest out of mud, sticks, and other crushed vegetation. Once the nest is complete, the female will dig a cone-shaped chamber in the center and will deposit 40 to 45 eggs. Several layers of vegetation and mud are then added on top of the chamber, keeping the eggs at a consistent temperature due to the heat produced by the decomposition of the nesting material. After incubating for around 63 to 65 days, the eggs will begin to hatch. Hatchlings are generally around 10 inches in total length and weigh anywhere from 1.5 to 2 ounces. The juvenile alligators will remain together for up to three years, in a group called a pod. 

 

Both male and female alligators grow up to 4 feet long by age five. After this, the females’ growth will begin to slow, but males continue to grow rapidly. By the age of 25, males measure about 10 feet, 4 inches while females measure around 8 feet, 3 inches. Males are much larger, and can even exceed lengths greater than 13 feet! Alligators can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds– The heaviest alligator on record weighed 1,043 pounds. The average lifespan of the American alligator in the wild is 30 to 50 years. In captivity, they can live anywhere from 65 to 80 years!

 

The American alligator was once threatened by extinction. For decades, they have been hunted for their skin and meat. In South Carolina in particular, the harvest of alligators for food and leather was unregulated until the 1950s. They were placed on the endangered species list in 1967, but their population increased soon after. Today, they are classified as a “least concern” species. This is great news for our reptilian friends! However, alligators still face threats, including habitat loss caused by wetland drainage and development. Because of this, alligators sometimes move into areas where humans live, such as backyard ponds, ditches, and even swimming pools. This cohabitation is dangerous for both alligators and humans. 

 

As you can see, alligators are incredibly profound creatures and are some of the longest residents of the Lowcountry! We want to take this time to remind you that if you happen to spot an alligator or any other type of wildlife, in your backyard or out exploring, keep a safe distance and be respectful. Here at Coastal Expeditions, we offer a variety of guided eco-tours and excursions that allow you to view wildlife in their natural habitat– Including alligators! We hope that you found this article informative and helpful. As always, we thank you for reading and we hope to see you back on our blog soon! If you have any questions about our guided tours, reach out to us! At Coastal Expeditions, we are committed to introducing people to the wonders of the ecosystems of the Charleston area by providing guided tours and educational opportunities. If you’re looking to explore all that the Lowcountry has to offer, check out our offerings on our website to find the adventure which suits you best! We also offer kid-friendly tours as well as kids programs, camps, and kayak lessons. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!

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@coastalexpeditions

St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals

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Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

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Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals

Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards

Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.

Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.

Outpost Location

Need A Guide?

If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.

Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard Click to Book via Text