Love is in the air. Alligator mating season underway in South Carolina. What to know
Love is in the air in the Lowcountry — at least if you’re an alligator.
It’s April, which means alligator mating season is officially underway in South Carolina. Gators begin “courting” in April and May, breed in late May and early June, and between early June and mid-July, female alligators lay a single clutch of 30 to 50 eggs in a mound of vegetation, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Here’s what to know as the prehistoric creatures prepare to mate this year.
How alligator mating works
Gators reach sexual maturity when they’re between 6 and 8 feet long, according to SCDNR.
In July, after a female alligator lays her eggs, she incubates them for about 65 days. Then, in late August or early September, 9-10 inch hatchlings are “liberated” from the nest, the department of natural resources said.
Moms can defend and stay with their hatchlings for up to a year, weaning their children off slowly ahead of the next breeding season.
Where do they live?
Alligators generally live in wetlands throughout the coastal plains of the southeastern U.S., SCDNR said, a fact that should surprise no one who lives in the Lowcountry. They’re most active during warm weather — anywhere from 82 to 92 degrees — and can be found in “almost any” freshwater habitat, DNR said. Large populations tend to exist in wetlands with feeding and nesting sites.
Gators make 2 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide nests out of vegetation and materials like marsh grasses, peat, pine needles and soil, according to SCDNR.
What do alligators eat?
Alligators are carnivores and will eat any available animal, SCDNR said. Exact diets depend on where alligators live, but pet owners should remain vigilant, because “alligators will prey on any animal (they) can physically consume,” according to SCDNR, including dogs, cats and domestic waterfowl.
Young alligators less than 4 ft. long eat crustaceans, snails and small fish, 4-6 ft. long subadults eat fish, small mammals and birds, and adult alligators eat fish, mammals, turtles, birds and even other alligators.
What should I do if I see one?
Alligators are usually not aggressive towards humans, SCDNR said, and it is rare for an alligator smaller than 5 ft. long to attack unprovoked.
But things do happen. The most serious alligator attacks happen when the victim is unaware the alligator is even there. Alligators in water or at the edge of water are most dangerous, according to SCDNR, and they become conditioned to humans, especially when they associate them with food.
What should I do if I see a rogue gator?
Nuisance alligators should be reported to SCDNR. The state issues permits to licensed trappers for the removal of alligators when necessary.
For more information about alligators and how to stay safe, check out this SCDNR publication on alligators.