S.C. DNR explains nuisance‑wildlife procedures and safety tips for alligators, coyotes and feral hogs

First Sergeant Justin Gant of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources told the committee April 7 that alligator sightings increase in mating season and that “anybody of water can possibly have an alligator in it,” so residents should assume water bodies can hold alligators and maintain distance.

Gant outlined the DNR’s nuisance‑wildlife process: when an alligator in a public area poses a risk, the agency or a contracted nuisance operator with tags can be contacted to remove the animal. He said alligator aggression often stems from human feeding or access to food (including discarded fish carcasses) and urged residents not to feed wildlife.

Other species: Gant said nuisance fur‑bearer permits are available for foxes and coyotes and that private trappers, who can obtain permits, are commonly used to remove animals in neighborhoods. On feral pigs he said there is not a closed season and private trappers or hunters are typical mitigation options.

Practical advice and limits: Gant recommended keeping distance from basking alligators and avoiding routes near known habitats; he cautioned that fences are not a guaranteed barrier because alligators can dig or climb and recommended contacting homeowners’ associations, DNR regional coordinators or the Southeast alligator coordinator if immediate removal is needed.

Ending: Gant directed residents to the DNR website (dnr.sc.gov) for nuisance‑wildlife guidance and to local HOA resources for proactive tag access. Committee members thanked the DNR for the presentation and asked follow‑up questions about specific neighborhood issues.