Alligators in Conway? (Jackson, North: HOA, house, neighborhoods)

[Sherry1000]

We are thinking of buying a second/retirement home in SC, probably around Conway. I just read that there are alligators there, I had no idea. (We are from central PA) I know they are in Georgia but I didn't think they came up as far as Conway.
We have two shih tzus that I was hoping to be able to let out once in a while in a fenced in yard (No developments or HOAs). My question is, are there a lot of alligators around Conway? If so, what would you call a lot? Do you see one a week? Is it not safe to let the dogs out to play while I run the vacuum or something?
I can handle snakes, I have always been the one to stumble on to snakes, even as a child. I don't love them but they don't freak me out like they do most people. I also don't freak out over bugs, except for spiders. I HATE spiders.
Please tell me how bad the alligator situation is around MB/Conway. Thank you!

[TablistaJ89]

Gators go up a lot further than Conway and in to North Carolina...That said i never have or have i ever known anyone to have a problem with them. One found its way to the beach recently actually, google for story idk where I read it at. If you go lookng I am sure you will find them, Conway is a swampy place. But, i wouldnt say there are a ton in Conway, there are gator viewing areas at some of the parks in the area about 30 miles south.

I found this for you:

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by TablistaJ89

Gators go up a lot further than Conway and in to North Carolina...That said i never have or have i ever known anyone to have a problem with them.

In response to the OP's question, she should be able to let her dogs loose in a fenced-in yard. She probably won't see an alligator unless she lives near a creek. However, a 12-foot alligator did attack and kill a dog in Jacksonville, North Carolina last year. The dog was loose playing near a creek, so I suggest being careful.

[maryannc]

Hawks and such have also been known to snatch a small dog. As a previous reader said, just be careful.

[goldenage1]

Another thought. If your dogs might tangle with a snake if they see one, you should keep the brush and undergrowth cleared away. Snakes hang around in the brush.

[Global Friend]

This area has water all over, its very swampy, you can look on Google maps to see. This is also the south east so there are lots of snakes, bugs, spiders and yes alligators. You can live here 5 years and never see an alligator or you can see many. If in an HOA highly populated it's probably less likely since most animals dont want to be bothered by people, they want to stay away from them. It's people that go into their areas.

Not saying this to scare anyone away but all of those things are here and personally, I would not let a small child or dog alone roaming in the yard. I've heard many stories of small dogs being bit by snakes and killed here.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Rapture

If in an HOA highly populated it's probably less likely since most animals dont want to be bothered by people, they want to stay away from them. It's people that go into their areas.

Not saying this to scare anyone away but all of those things are here and personally, I would not let a small child or dog alone roaming in the yard. I've heard many stories of small dogs being bit by snakes and killed here.

I know the original poster said she did not want to be in an HOA community. However, many HOA communities do permit fences that are sufficient to deter an alligator, although golf course communities may prohibit them if you live on the course. So I think the OP could find a house in a less restrictive HOA community that would suit their need.

[Sherry1000]

Thanks for all the replies about alligators and other critters.
I don't mind a development with a HOA, I actually prefer them. The problem is my husband. He doesn't like retractions and he also wants at least five acres. I like restrictions. I like beautiful, tidy neighborhoods.