Snakes, alligators, turtles, and possibly even bears have made the news, with appearances around the Myrtle Beach area in the last few weeks.
It’s no question, wildlife is out in full force this week in particular, from the rumor of the black bear at Coastal Carolina University to the alligator on Highway 707. Russell Cavender thinks part of it could be all of the developments being built.
“Some men are meant to be racecar drivers. I’m meant to deal with wildlife,” Cavender said.
And that, he does.
“Just yesterday alone, we had nine snake calls that were inside of someone’s home, and we had probably another 10 or 12 that were outside someone’s home,” he said.
Russell Cavender, otherwise known as “The Snake Catcher,” has been catching wildlife since he was 3, and since the ’90s, it’s how he’s earned a living.
On the Grand Strand, people have spotted alligators, snakes, and there’s even been rumors of bears just last week alone.
Cavender thinks it’s from all the developments going into the animals’ habitats.
“There’s absolutely no question that the building of homes and tearing up of forests are causing the animals to not have a home, and so your home becomes their home,” said Cavender. “And there’s just absolutely no choice in that matter because you’re taking away their habitat, so they have to adapt.”
May is Cavender’s busiest time of year, and he says it’s mostly due to mating season.
He says the alligator relaxing in the road Sunday night was most likely crossing the road to mate.
“That was a male alligator. He was 11 feet long, probably between 400 and 500 pounds, maybe a little heavier,” said Cavender. “And he had been around for a very, very long time. He was probably 55, 56 years old. I mean, 55 to 60 years old, excuse me. And, he just happened to get stuck on the highway.”
Cavender recommends if you see a snake or alligator in your yard or pond, leave it alone and wait for someone who can catch it.
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