TRANSCRIPT:
As temperatures rise, alligators become more active across South Carolina's waterways. Seeing an alligator in a pond, marsh, or river is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
While alligator encounters are common, conflicts are rare when people give them space and never feed them. Feeding alligators causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and can create dangerous situations.
If you're enjoying the outdoors this summer, remember to keep pets away from the water's edge and admire these fascinating reptiles from a safe distance. Respecting wildlife helps keep both people and animals safe.