A Complete Guide to SC Winter Wildlife Animals to Keep an Eye Out For
South Carolina has several species of predators, from mountain lions to venomous snakes. Luckily for homeowners and property managers, most of them are less active in the winter.
During mild winters, however, some wild animals will still roam. Also, winter wildlife animals in SC remain out and about all year long.
It’s tempting to relax your guard as the coolness creeps in. But winter wildlife prevention is just as important as the summer months—our guide covers which wild animals to watch out for in the winter.
Types of Winter Wildlife Animals in SC
Many species hibernate or migrate in the winter. Birds, snakes, and bears settle out of sight deep into winter as they conserve energy or take off for warmer places.
South Carolina is home to an eclectic ecology, however. Types of animals you can still see in the winter include:
- Insects
- Rodents
- Medium-sized mammals
- Aquatic animals (ocean and freshwater)
If you’re hoping to avoid pests like ticks, bed bugs, and spiders in the winter, your hopes may be dashed. These creepy crawlies actually seek out your house in the cold so they can stay warm.
Mice, raccoons, and opossums don’t hibernate like larger mammals either. They may start living in your basements, attics, and crawlspaces so they can stay cozy while feasting on your garbage and pet kibble.
Lakes and rivers can freeze in SC, although it’s rarer and less long-lasting than in places like the Great Lakes. Oceans obviously won’t freeze, so you should be just as cautious of water wildlife in the cold and hot months of summer.
Winter Predators in South Carolina
South Carolina animals include a long list of predators and potentially deadly species. They can harm humans through attacks, venom, or by carrying diseases.
Make sure to keep a lookout for these risky wild animals and insects in the winter:
- Alligators
- Bull Sharks
- Foxes
- Coyotes
- Black Widows
- Brown recluses
- Bats
These winter animals may be more hungry and aggressive in the winter, too. Always give wildlife plenty of space and call for professional services if they start lingering too long on your property.
Tips for Winter Wildlife Prevention
There’s an old saying about how an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true for pest control and wildlife management.
You can winter-proof your home against wild animals by:
- Using tamper-proof garbage cans
- Sealing up cracks, holes, and gaps
- Repairing damaged screens and vents
- Keeping your yard and home free of clutter
- Storing and maintaining pet food
- Securing your attic and crawlspaces
- Pest-proofing your basement
It’s vital to wildlife protection that animals stay shy of humans and away from your home. Some people mistakenly feed animals like foxes and raccoons in winter, which does more harm than good.
Keep Your Home Safe All Year Long With the Best Pest Control Company
Thanks to the state’s diverse ecology and mild climate, many winter wildlife animals in SC stay active all year long. Winter wildlife prevention will keep these creatures from taking up space in your home and causing issues.
If you’re worried about venomous insects and aggressive predators in South Carolina, Precision Pest Control has the professional services needed for your peace of mind. We offer many preventative measures along with pest control and wildlife removal that are safe, effective, and affordable. Contact us to learn more!
