Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was curious if anyone knew what would be required by South Carolina law for a private individual to possess an American Alligator, and if it is something that would be possible. I am potentially planning a move in the next few year and want to know what my options are.

I do outreach & teach and have a female Alligator that has been in my possession for the past 10 years, and would like to know if there was anyway for her to move down there with me, or if I would have to sell her or find a new home for her before I moved. She is already micro-chipped with an AVID chip if that comes into play.

Any info would be appreciated, including info on other exotic animal regulations in SC. (Especially those regarding other crocodilian species, other reptiles, but also birds, etc)

Looks like you need to have a permit since it's considered "native wildlife", but since you're looking in to it ahead of time, I would imagine you should be able to take care of whatever's needed. I know here in NC the pen has to be set up a very specific way and inspected by Fish and Wildlife...but if you've had her as long as that, I'm hoping you've got the living arrangement side of things down pat.

http://www.dnr.sc.gov

Found that site, hopefully you can get in to contact with someone who can provide better specifics for you. Good luck!

I figured I will need a permit for her because they are native there, I just can't seem to find any information on such a permit, or requirements. I am hoping its a permit that would be something a private individual could acquire, not just AZA facilities.

I am asking these questions now because if I need to have documentation & references it gives me plenty of time to get things in order. I'd hope the move doesn't mean I would have to find her another home after all these years because it would be illegal to take her along.

Her housing is large and suitable now, but living in the cold north she is housed indoors with UVA/UVB lamps, heat and so on. I would be planning to move her outdoors if possible (legal) in SC. I would be more then happy to build an enclosure to required specifications upon moving.

Thanks for the link, I am going to check that out.

I know at least here in NC, they'll issue the permits to individuals, doesnt just have to be an AZA type thing. Good luck with everything though. When are you planning the move?

Thanks, thats good to know about NC.

There is no real set date for the move yet, and its something that has been "in the works" for several years now & its probably going to be in the next couple years. I want to know to plan everything in advance so there are no rude surprises that I have to then scramble to figure out what to do with after purchases and plans are made. (Like if I need to look for specifics on the property I will be living at via regulations, or say if it turns out I won't be able to keep her legally in SC, I'll need enough time to find her a suitable and proper home elsewhere)

I live in sc now. you cant have large native wildlife without permits. Gator permits are extremely hard to get and mostly issued for public displays only