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5 fascinating creatures making headlines in South Carolina

Stories by The State journalists, with AI summarization

South Carolina's native and visiting wildlife has been making waves, drawing attention to how human interaction and environmental factors shape their behavior and ecosystems. An 11-foot alligator nicknamed King Arthur became a public focus when found entangled in a tomato cage, highlighting the threats posed by improperly discarded waste. Meanwhile, invasive Cuban tree frogs are disrupting local biodiversity as they hitchhike into the state, raising concerns about their predatory impact.

Rare sea turtles like Coral, rescued years ago and now contributing to endangered species recovery in Mexico, underscore the success of conservation efforts. Additionally, the emergence of orange-colored alligators during winter brumation showcases intriguing natural phenomena tied to South Carolina's environment. Together, these stories underscore the ongoing dialogue between wildlife, human activity, and conservation in the region.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Cuban tree frogs are native to Cuba, the Cayman Island and the Bahamas. They made their way to Florida in the 1920s, likely on cargo ships, according to the University of Florida. They secrete toxins than can cause skin irritation in people and they are threats to native wildlife, eating different types of American frogs.

NO. 1: INVASIVE TREE FROGS THE SIZE OF A FIST ARE HOPPING AROUND SC. HERE’S WHY THEY’RE DANGEROUS 

A type of tree frog that can grow to the size of a human fist has invaded South Carolina. Here’s why that’s a problem. | Published January 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lyn Riddle

Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort in South Carolina reported one of its “dominant” male alligators had something stuck on its head. It was a tomato case, rescuers say.

NO. 2: 11-FOOT ALLIGATOR FOUND WITH ODD CONTRAPTION ON ITS HEAD AT SOUTH CAROLINA RESORT

The alligator lives at Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort. | Published March 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mark Price

A female golden silk orb-weaver, commonly called banana spider, makes a home on the bushes next to Rita Metcalf's deck. Notice the zig zag woven into web.

NO. 3: THESE HUGE SPIDERS ARE IN SC YARDS FOR THE SUMMER. HERE’S WHERE THEY ARE AND IF THEY’RE A THREAT

These giant spiders are in South Carolina yards now for the summer. Here’s where to find them and if they’re a threat to your family. | Published June 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Claire McDonald

This Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle was nursed back to health in South Carolina in 2017. In 2024, it was found nesting on a Mexican beach.

NO. 4: RARE SEA TURTLE FOUND ALIVE AND WELL IN MEXICO, SEVEN YEARS AFTER IT WAS INJURED IN SC

A rare sea turtle that was apparently hit by a boat in South Carolina recovered from its injuries and has been found building a nest in Mexico. | Published June 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sammy Fretwell

Wildlife photographer Dan Krieger captured a rare picture of an orange alligator in his Little River neighborhood on Feb. 9, 2025.

NO. 5: ORANGE ALLIGATOR PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE WILD IN SC. THE REASON FOR THE WEIRD COLOR IS FASCINATING

A photographer recently snapped this pic of an orange alligator in South Carolina. An expert explains why the gator is such an unusual color. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.