South Carolina Aquarium on Charleston Harbor: Exhibits

The American alligator, once close to extinction, is now a jaw-dropping story of success in the endangered animal alligator skull

world. A species, scientists say, as old as dinosaurs, alligators have been long prized for their hide and meat or feared for their quick bite, causing many to be killed and the population to get dangerously close to extinction.

Hunted for centuries, these reptiles were rapidly disappearing before strict regulations were put in place with the Endangered Species Act to protect the remaining alligators in the 1970’s. Management plans also began to help increase the number of wild alligators. Alligator farms began to raise the reptiles for consumption and hide so that alligators were not killed in the wild. Additionally these farms were required to place a specific number of mature alligators back into their natural habitat. With these improvements, the alligator population has once again increased in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as well as Florida and Louisiana.

American Wetlands
Celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to the Nation's ecological, economic, and social health.
Wetlands provide:
- Improved water quality
- Increased water storage and supply
- Reduced flood and storm surge risk
- Critical habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife

albino alligator in the Blackwater Swamp Exhibit

One major threat to alligators is the loss of wetlands, many of which are being drained, filled in or developed, leaving no natural habitat for the alligator. With a loss of wetlands, alligators and humans often find themselves living in the same areas and alligators have been spotted in backyard ponds, swimming pools or ditches. This is dangerous for both humans and alligators, and we should keep in mind that wild animals should NEVER be fed! The alligators get accustomed to people and, instead of fearing humans, they begin to expect people to feed them. This can lead to alligators being aggressive and a “nuisance species.” Adopt-an-Alligator

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) regulates the state’s alligator population. They aid property owners when dealing with individual problem alligators as well as regulate an alligator hunting season on large properties. If an alligator is causing problems, please contact the nearest state DNR office. In Charleston County, call (843) 953-9856 or go to dnr.sc.gov

Learn about wetlands.
What is a wetland? Where can they be found? What is the importance of wetlands? Information on wetlands and the important benefits they provide is available through Environmental Protection Agency's wetlands fact sheets series.
Explore a wetland near you.
A great one near Charleston is the Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Once part of an old rice plantation, Caw Caw has over six miles of trails and over 1,000 feet of elevated boardwalks through wetlands. With education and environmental programs, you can learn and see American alligators, Swallow-tailed Kites, Bald Eagles and more.
Take action: protect and restore wetlands.Support and promote wetlands by joining a local watershed group, or participating in a wetland monitoring, restoration, or cleanup project. To learn more visit the Coastal Conservation League