Personal Injury Attorney in Marion, SC

MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Representatives from the Marion County School District (MCSD) surprised three Johnakin Middle School teachers with financial performance bonuses awarded through the South Carolina Department of Education’s (SCDE) Strategic Compensation Pilot Program.

This state-funded initiative is designed to reward and retain educators whose students show significant year-over-year academic growth, focusing on progress rather than static test scores.

Officials said the program celebrates teachers who move every learner forward, regardless of their starting point.

This year, three MCSD teachers earned a combined total of more than $49,000 in performance-based bonuses.

Individual awards ranged from $2,500 to $25,920, recognizing measurable student gains in English and Mathematics.

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MCSD applied to participate in the pilot, and Johnakin Middle School was selected by the state based on criteria outlined in the application process.

Officials said the program will continue next year, offering eligible teachers another opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for advancing student achievement.

Among this year’s honorees, Nadata Pryce achieved one of the highest student growth metrics in the state. She was joined in recognition by Shemoi Thompson and Marion Blanks, all from Johnakin Middle School.

Superintendent Dr. Kandace Bethea praised the honorees for their dedication and excellence in the classroom:

“We are incredibly proud of our teachers who have been recognized through the South Carolina Department of Education’s Strategic Compensation Pilot Grant. This recognition celebrates hard work, innovation, and resilience — and highlights what we’ve always known: when teachers are empowered, supported, and recognized for their impact, student success follows. I’m so proud of these educators for representing the very best of Marion County — passionate, data-informed, and deeply committed to helping every student grow and achieve. I’m also grateful to see their commitment to student growth honored at the state level.”

The Strategic Compensation Pilot Program is part of a statewide effort to highlight educators who demonstrate exceptional instruction and student engagement. This year, SCDE awarded bonuses to teachers at 37 schools across South Carolina.

Previously endangered in South Carolina, alligators have rebounded in the state and are being more frequently spotted in its freshwater lakes and waterways. Alligators are most often found in the coastal region of the state. Their preferred habitats are river swamps, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Increased development in these areas can lead to more human-gator interactions. Still, it’s important to remember that these animals just want to be left alone and aren’t inclined to prey on humans. Treating wildlife with respect and learning more about their habits and habitats allows both reptile and human residents to enjoy South Carolina’s scenic waterways.

Lake Marion

The largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Marion, is over 100,000 acres and sits on the state’s coastal plain. The lake is the upper portion of a man-made reservoir and is a thriving fish habitat stocked with crappie, striped bass, and catfish, making it popular with anglers and boaters.

There are over 100,000 alligators in South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and around 100 of them live in Lake Marion, making it the most alligator-infested lake in the state. The clean waters, large fish populations, and shallow waters of the lake’s wetlands make it the ideal habitat for gators to feed, hunt, and nest. In 2022, hunters pulled a 12-foot-long gator from Lake Marion. One of the biggest on record, the reptile weighed over 500 pounds.

Lake Moultrie

Just 40 miles north of downtown Charleston, Lake Moultrie is South Carolina’s third-largest lake and one of its busiest. The lake is bordered by multiple wildlife management areas and has 210 miles of pristine shoreline. With varying terrain, ranging from shallow swamps and brackish ponds to deep water and shady cypress trees, there are lots of places in and around the lake for gators to hide. Most gators can be found in The Hatchery, a 2,250-acre area of the lake known for its prominent wildlife and largemouth bass fisheries. Thus, it is important to keep an eye out for the dark gray coloration of the American Alligator when out and about.

Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the lake, though. This is a popular tourist spot for visitors to experience the beautiful South Carolina scenery, with a network of scenic hiking trails, campgrounds, a birdwatching boardwalk, boat and kayak rentals, and a fishing pier.

Hilton Head Island

Voted best U.S. island by Condé Nast Traveler, Hilton Head Island is a barrier island in South Carolina’s low country. It’s also home to a large population of alligators. Gators are a keystone species, especially on barrier islands where local environments are more sheltered. Their role as an apex predator means they keep other populations in check and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. On Hilton Head Island, alligators create holes and nests that provide vital habitats for other reptiles and birds. Birds will often choose to nest over alligator grounds as the large reptiles keep smaller predators away from their chicks.

Hilton Head Island is one of South Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations, and the increase of development across the island has led to more human-alligator interactions. Some tour operators have capitalized on the native reptiles, offering guided tours around the island’s Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve, which contains several freshwater lakes.

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park, located on the coast, is a haven for alligators and diverse wildlife, featuring pristine Atlantic beaches, saltmarshes, wetlands, and a freshwater lake. It ranks among South Carolina's top spots to observe alligators safely in their natural habitat. The park's Nature Center runs alligator programs from March to October, offering visitors the chance to view these creatures and learn about their behavior, environment, and habits. It also displays a live baby alligator for a firsthand experience. When encountering an alligator, keep children and pets close, avoid between the alligator and water, and maintain at least 15 feet distance, watching carefully. Signs of threat include hissing or opening their mouths—if this occurs, step back further. Besides the alligators, the 2,500-acre park offers relaxing beaches and excellent birdwatching opportunities for migratory species.

Savannah River

The Savannah River stretches over 300 miles along the border between South Carolina and Georgia. It is a major habitat for alligators, making it a significant research site for the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, which focuses on studying these reptiles. A top location for observing Savannah River alligators is the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1927 as a sanctuary for migratory birds, it now hosts numerous species, including turtles, bobcats, bald eagles, and alligators. Covering nearly 30,000 acres, the refuge features tidal freshwater marshes where visitors are most likely to see alligators basking in the sun or swimming in shallow waters.

The Great Pee Dee River

Designated as a state scenic river in 2002, the Great Pee Dee flows through coastal plains, featuring pristine wetlands, swamps, and marshes favored by alligators. The river is abundant with preferred prey like catfish, bass, bream, and other freshwater fish. Several wildlife preserves along its course offer opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, scenic walks, and alligator spotting, including the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge and Woodbury Wildlife Management Area. The local alligators are known for their impressive size, with hunters often catching specimens over ten feet long.

Being Gator Safe

The main rule to avoid alligator and human interactions is not to feed them. Alligators that receive food from people lose their fear and can become dangerous. These large predators deserve respect. If you see one, stay at a distance, remain calm, and avoid approaching or disturbing it. When visiting areas mentioned above or any recreation site in South Carolina with alligators, watch for warning signs. Parks and public places often post alerts if alligators have been seen in water areas used by visitors. Keep in mind that alligators are more active during the warmer spring and summer months when they are breeding.

South Carolina's many lakes are popular recreational hubs where residents enjoy swimming, boating, and kayaking activities. However, they are also prime hunting and breeding grounds for snakes, often resulting in human-snake interaction. While most species are not dangerous, encountering one slithering across the shore or grass could catch unsuspecting lake-goers off guard. To avoid unnecessary conflicts, learn more about the Palmetto State's lakes, which have a reputation as hotspots for different snake species in the United States.

From cottonmouths basking on docks and copperheads prowling the shallows to rat snakes near hiking trails, it is important to know how to react when you encounter one. By understanding where these reptiles are most active, lake visitors can stay informed and prepared when visiting areas with high snake populations. Safety precautions should also be a top priority when visiting the most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina.

Lake Marion

South Carolina's largest lake stretches across five counties over 110,000 acres of former marshes, farmlands, and river valleys. Often called the state's "inland sea," this expansive wetland offers countless recreational opportunities. Anglers, boaters, campers, hunters, and picnickers from inside and outside the state come here to enjoy the numerous activities. A vibrant wildlife population, including birds, deer, alligators, and fish, inhabits the area, attracting visitors to explore the diverse ecosystem.

Lake Marion is home to a variety of serpentine species along its waters and shores. Common but generally harmless are the brown water snake and eastern ratsnake. However, the shoreline also hosts the cottonmouth, which is frequently observed preying on amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. While bites from these snakes are rare, they can be aggressive when feeling threatened and possess a potent hemotoxin.

Lake Murray

Located smack dab in the heart of South Carolina, this 48,000-acre reservoir was constructed in the 1920s for hydroelectric production. It is a vibrant haven for water-based recreation, famous for its largemouth and striped bass populations. Visitors to Lake Murray enjoy everything from boating and swimming to picnicking. Besides its scenic beauty, it draws tourists with an impressive mix of amenities, such as marinas, parks, eateries, and more. Lake Murray's 650 miles of shoreline are a playground for numerous wildlife, including alligators and snakes.

The snake species include the non-venomous eastern kingsnake, eastern milksnake, and eastern corn snake. Meanwhile, the notorious cottonmouth, also known as Water Moccasins, poses a serious threat when an encounter with humans ends in a confrontation. It's best to give it plenty of space if you come across one to stay safe.

Lake Moultrie

Lake Moultrie ranks among the largest reservoirs in South Carolina. It covers over 60,000 acres and was created by damming the Santee River to generate hydropower. Its expansive territory provides wide-reaching recreation adventures that attract plenty of human activity. Alongside humans, a rich wildlife population in and around Lake Moultrie culminates in a thriving and diverse ecosystem. You can spot species like blue crabs, lizards, blue herons, and others feeding, breeding, or nesting in the different habitats around the lake, from shorelines and marshes to thickets.

Snakes are common in the area and can scare visitors. However, they usually only attack if they feel threatened or cornered. Tourists might encounter some venomous snakes, such as the copperhead, which has brown-red scales, or the cottonmouth, often dark grey or black.

Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee is likely one of the most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina. The reservoir covers over 7,500 acres in Oconee and Pickens Counties and is famous for its crystal-clear, chilly waters. Combine this with its remote location, and you have an idyllic spot where adventurers gather for hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife-watching. Lake Jocassee borders the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, home to small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, providing ample food for a thriving snake population.

Seeing snakes on the water or grassy banks at Lake Jocassee is common. Fortunately, many species like the eastern garter snake and northern water snake are harmless and not dangerous to people. Nonetheless, exercise caution around the venomous copperhead, which can strike suddenly if you come too close.

Lake Keowee

This 18,000-acre family-friendly oasis attracts a barrage of water fun lovers with its 300+ miles of shoreline, crystal-clear blue waters, and stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lake Keowee spoils visitors with endless adventures on the waters, including kayaking, fishing, boating, and other water sports. The surrounding shores are also a haven for campers, hikers, bikers, and wildlife-viewers. This bustling ecosystem also accommodates sizable snake numbers that guests should be aware of to prevent uncalled-for interactions.

Most of the species encountered are non-venomous, which, unfortunately, are often confused with their venomous counterparts. They pose no threat to humans and usually opt to avoid interactions. However, there are occasional sightings of copperheads in well-trafficked sections like beaches.

Lake Wylie

Lake Wylie was created by building a dam across the Catawba River to generate hydroelectric power. The reservoir spans about 13,000 acres and crosses the border of the two Carolinas. Lake Wylie surrounds a neighborhood of the same name, attracting residents with its over 300-mile shoreline and countless recreational activities. It is always busy with boaters, picnickers, anglers, and paddleboarders. The area also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including fireworks displays, music concerts, and beer festivals.

The lake and its surroundings are ideal habitats for snakes, which thrive on a balanced diet of fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals in the area. Although most encounters are with non-venomous species like the common watersnake and eastern garter snake, there have been reports of copperheads seen along the water's edge.

Lake Hartwell

This 56,000-acre reservoir, with almost 1,000 miles of shoreline, is one of the largest recreational lakes in Southeastern America. Lake Hartwell is split between South Carolina and Georgia and is a popular hub for water-based fun. The lake has a large fish population, including species like striped bass, trout, black crappie, and stocked walleye, making fishing one of the most popular activities in the area. However, more amenities like campgrounds, marinas, trails, and restaurants ensure the location is always a beehive of activities.

But the activity is not limited to humans; a wonderful wildlife population, including snakes, inhabits the sprawling waters and beautiful shores. There are over 20 non-venomous species in the area, including garter snakes and rat snakes. Meanwhile, the fewer venomous snakes to watch out for are the timber rattlesnake (which is rare) and the copperhead.

Lake Wateree

Lake Wateree is among the state's oldest reservoirs. It was formed in 1919 when a dam was built on the Wateree River and spans about 13,000 acres. The lake has a 242-mile shoreline and a sizable fish population, which is a good reason for various recreation enthusiasts to flock to it daily. It is surrounded by Lake Wateree State Park, which harbors several trails that invite guests to explore the area and admire bustling wildlife, including blue herons, woodpeckers, songbirds, and other beautiful species.

While walking along the outback trails, you will come across various snake species common in the area, such as rat snakes and water snakes. These are harmless to humans, show no aggression, and will usually slither away. But if you happen to come across a copperhead or cottonmouth, occasionally spotted here, avoid charging or throwing stones at them; their venomous bite can prove to be lethal without prompt medical attention.

While snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, encountering one in the water or on the shores is not always welcome. Being informed about which areas snake populations frequently occur allows water-goers to take preventative measures or choose alternate destinations if they desire a snake-free experience. However, it is never advisable to aggravate them when you encounter one in the most snake-infested lakes in South Carolina, as they won't attack until they feel they are in danger.