For more than four decades, researchers at South Carolina’s Yawkey Wildlife Center have studied one of the state’s most impressive and misunderstood predators — the American alligator. From tracking movements and collecting data to uncovering the secrets of nest attendance, their work is revealing the balance between ferocity and devotion in a species that has remained virtually unchanged since the age of dinosaurs.
Through collaboration with Clemson University and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, biologists are gaining new insight into how environmental factors, nesting behaviors, and maternal care shape the future of this ancient reptile. From the sky to the marshes, every discovery brings us closer to understanding how these powerful creatures continue to thrive in the wild.
What’s Wild! is a digital series showcasing South Carolina’s rarest wildlife and the amazing people who protect them.
