Neighborhood Wildlife
Living in Myrtle Beach, SC means sharing space with a uniquely Southern mix of wild creatures. Habitat loss due to rapid development of the regions coastal plains has resulted in more frequent encounters with local wildlife. Whether you are dealing with backyard swamps or just a buggy summer night, learning to coexist with and respect our local wildlife is a way of life.
Alligators
Alligators are common in the Grand Strand's rivers, swamps, marshes, and even golf course and neighborhood ponds. Once an endangered species they have made a comeback and the populations have increased beyond the capacity of many natural habitats.
Never feed or harass them. Keep dogs on a leash far from the water’s edge, especially during the spring mating season. If one is on your property, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for removal.
Would you like to go on an Alligator hunt? A limited number of managed, controlled, hunting permits are available each year.
Snakes
There are 4 species of venomous snakes in the United States, and we have all four right here in Myrtle Beach. Though you are more likely to encounter a non-venomous snake, be aware of their more lethal cousins.
The Eastern Copperhead is the most commonly encountered venomous snake in suburban neighborhoods.
The Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake, the largest venomous snake in North America, also makes it's home along the Grand Strand. Diamondbacks can grow up to 8 feet. Their smaller cousins, the Timber rattler and Pygmy rattlers, are also found here.
The Cottonmouth Water Moccasin is a semi-aquatic viper that may be encountered near any source of natural fresh water habitat.
The Eastern Coral snake though relatively small very colorful is still venomous but is elusive and sightings are rare. They are often confused with Scarlet King snakes, Milk snakes, Scarlet snakes, and the Long-nosed Snake
Learn more about south Carolina Snakes here ...
Black Bears
The American Black Bear is common in the coastal plains of SC, particularly in Horry and Georgetown counties.Safety: Bears are generally docile but highly food-motivated. Remove backyard attractants by securing trash cans, bringing in bird feeders, and feeding pets indoors. If a bear is near your home, secure the area and let it move on.
Palmetto Bugs A quintessential Southern staple, these are actually American Cockroaches or Smokybrown Cockroaches. Unlike small German roaches, they live outside in mulch and trees.Safety: They are entirely harmless to humans but can startle you by flying. Seal entry points around doors and windows, keep moisture levels low, and use standard household pest control to keep them out of your living spaces.
Cow Killers Known scientifically as Dasymutilla occidentalis (or the Eastern Velvet Ant), these aren't actually ants, but rather large, wingless female wasps. They are covered in bright red and black velvet fuzz and the females possess a notoriously painful sting.Safety: They earn their dramatic nickname from the myth that their sting can kill livestock—which is false. They are highly docile, solitary insects. Just admire them from a distance and leave them alone, and they will not bother you.
Red Bugs
No see-ums
Wasps and hornets
Biting Flys
Poison Ivy