South Carolina’s Most Popular State Park Has Variety of Wildlife
Learn about some of the spectacular wildlife that visitors may see at South Carolina’s Hunting Island State Park while camping, staying in a cabin, or during a day visit.
Hunting Island is South Carolina’s most popular state park with good reason. Campers and those staying at the beach houses can enjoy wildlife up close for very reasonable rates while walking or biking the many trails. Equestrian beach access is also available during certain times of the year. The area’s animals on land and in the air can be a dream come true for the amateur and professional photographer as well as those guests who like to share a space with wildlife in its natural habitat.
Staff at Hunting Island do not recommend petting or feeding the wildlife, but those who wish to take pictures or just gaze at these amazing creatures will not be disappointed at Hunting Island, a state park near Hilton Head, South Carolina. Since the wildlife freely roams the area, park guests never know what animal they may see next!
See Deer Up Close at Hunting Island State Park
Guests at Hunting Island State Park may see deer roaming the campground and other areas of the state park on a regular basis. These beautiful creatures can often be seen early in the morning and just before dusk as they quietly walk in and out of wooded spots. They tend to head to areas where people are cooking outdoors and may make their rounds in a similar fashion each day. Some guests may see a deer with a full rack while others may see a group of does. Perhaps guests may even see a tiny fawn.
Watch for Raccoons at Hunting Island SC
Raccoons abound at Hunting Island State Park, but they tend to appear after dark. Some guests may see a raccoon nestled high in a tree or scurrying across the road. Overnight guests should carefully secure all food before turning in because these crafty creatures are quite adept at finding and opening containers. No outdoor trash receptacles are provided at the campground partially due to the raccoons and their rather healthy appetites.
Birds and Other Flying Animals Abound at South Carolina’s Hunting Island State Park
A variety of birds flock to Hunting Island and make this beautiful area their home. Seagulls and pelicans soar and bob around the ocean while cardinals, sparrows, and many other birds entertain guests in areas set back from the beach. Some may be quite brave and tend to return to areas with food that is easy to find.
Other flying animals are also readily found at the park on the beach, including dragonflies, butterflies, and bats. The bats are particularly helpful because the mosquitoes are pretty prolific at Hunting Island. Plan ahead with mosquito repellent for a more enjoyable stay.
Was That a Real Alligator at Hunting Island?
Visitors at the Welcome Center of Hunting Island State Park may walk right past an alligator on their way across the boardwalk to the building. Green duckweed can easily camouflage the green-skinned alligator that has made her home at the lake. The nature center offers an interesting and informative educational program about alligators and crocodiles. A few guests may be able to spot the crafty gator and perhaps even get a picture or two.
Other rather quiet and sometimes elusive creatures, like caterpillars, small crabs, and spiders may also be seen in the campsites and other areas at the state park.
Wildlife at Hunting Island is Beautiful to Behold
Nature lovers will be enthralled by the amazing variety of wildlife at Hunting Island State Park. Volunteers called the Friends of Hunting Island carefully seek to preserve and protect this amazing natural habitat while offering educational programs to increase awareness of the fragile ecosystem. From docile deer and an elusive alligator to mischievous raccoons, hungry mosquitoes, and foraging birds, this South Carolina park located on the southern coast of South Carolina provides an excellent area for watching and enjoying the beauty of nature.