How County Wildlife Programs Work in South Carolina

What county wildlife programs do and who runs them

County wildlife programs in South Carolina are run by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), which manages wildlife across all 46 counties. These programs focus on wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and public education rather than removal or control. If you have a wildlife problem on your property—a raccoon in your attic, deer eating your garden, or snakes near your home—county wildlife staff can tell you what species you're dealing with and point you toward the right solution, but they typically do not perform removal themselves.

Each county has a regional SCDNR office with wildlife biologists and officers who respond to wildlife concerns, enforce hunting and fishing laws, and manage public lands. They also oversee wildlife rehabilitation centers, which care for injured or orphaned animals. Understanding what your county office handles versus what private wildlife control companies handle will save you time and money.

Key Takeaways

• SCDNR county offices provide information and guidance about wildlife on your property but do not perform removal; you will need to hire a private wildlife control company for that service.
• County wildlife officers enforce state hunting and fishing regulations and can respond to dangerous wildlife situations, such as an aggressive animal or a rabies concern.
• SCDNR maintains a list of licensed wildlife control operators in your county, which you can request from your regional office.
• Wildlife rehabilitation centers run by SCDNR or partner organizations care for injured animals and release them back into the wild when possible.
• County programs also manage public hunting and fishing lands, which are open to the public and offer recreation at little or no cost.

When to contact your county wildlife office

Call your county SCDNR office if you see an animal behaving unusually—stumbling, aggressive, or appearing sick—because this may indicate rabies or another disease. Wildlife officers can respond to these situations and determine whether the animal poses a public health risk. They also handle situations where an animal is trapped or stuck in a way that poses immediate danger.

Contact your county office as well if you want to know what species is causing damage on your property and what legal methods exist to deter or remove it. Officers can explain whether a species is protected, what time of year removal is legal, and whether you need a permit. For example, removing a bat colony requires a permit and must follow specific timing rules to avoid harming young bats. A county officer can walk you through those rules before you hire a contractor.

Your county office can also direct you to wildlife rehabilitation if you find an injured animal. Rather than attempting to care for it yourself—which is illegal without a permit and can be dangerous—you can learn where the nearest rehabilitation center is and what to do before you transport the animal there.

How to find your county wildlife office and licensed operators

The SCDNR website lists all 16 regional offices by county. You can search for your county and find the office phone number, address, and hours. Many offices have online contact forms as well. When you call, describe the wildlife problem and ask whether the office can send an officer or whether you need to hire a private contractor.

If you need removal or exclusion work, ask your county office for a list of licensed wildlife control operators in your area. South Carolina requires wildlife control companies to be licensed by SCDNR, and the county office maintains a current list. This list is not a recommendation—it is simply a roster of companies that meet state licensing standards. You will still need to call multiple companies, compare prices, and check references.

Some county offices also post lists of licensed operators on their websites or can email you one. If the office does not have a list readily available, ask for the SCDNR licensing office contact information so you can request it directly.

Wildlife rehabilitation and injured animal care

If you find an injured, orphaned, or sick wild animal, your county SCDNR office can direct you to a licensed rehabilitation center. South Carolina has several rehabilitation facilities across the state, some run by SCDNR and others by nonprofit partners. These centers treat animals, provide care, and release them back into the wild when they recover.

Do not attempt to care for a wild animal yourself. It is illegal without a permit, the animal may carry disease, and improper care can harm the animal's chances of survival in the wild. Instead, contact your county office or search online for the nearest rehabilitation center. Most centers have intake hours and may ask you to bring the animal in a secure container. Some will provide instructions over the phone for safely containing the animal until you can transport it.

Public hunting and fishing lands managed by your county

SCDNR manages public hunting and fishing areas throughout South Carolina, many of them at the county level. These lands are open to the public and offer opportunities to hunt, fish, or simply observe wildlife. Some areas are free to use; others charge a small daily or annual fee. Your county office can tell you which public lands are in your area, what species are present, and what seasons and regulations apply.

If you are new to hunting or fishing, county offices often offer hunter safety courses and fishing clinics. These programs teach legal and safe practices and are sometimes required before you can obtain a hunting license. Check your county office website or call to learn about upcoming courses.

Wildlife laws and permits in your county

South Carolina has statewide hunting, fishing, and trapping seasons, but regulations can vary by county and by wildlife management area. Your county SCDNR office enforces these rules and can explain what is legal on your property. For example, you may be able to trap a nuisance animal yourself during certain seasons, but you will need a permit and must follow specific rules about where you can release it or how you must dispose of it.

If you want to remove an animal from your property, ask your county office whether you need a permit, what methods are legal, and what the season dates are. Some animals—like deer or wild turkeys—have specific hunting seasons. Others, like raccoons or opossums, may have year-round trapping seasons with restrictions. Your county officer can give you the exact rules for your situation.

Reporting wildlife problems and dangerous animals

If you see a dangerous animal—a venomous snake, an aggressive coyote, or a bear—call your county SCDNR office or local law enforcement immediately. Do not approach the animal. Wildlife officers can respond and assess the threat. In some cases, the animal may need to be removed or relocated; in others, the officer may determine that the animal is not a threat and will leave on its own.

You can also report wildlife violations—such as illegal hunting or fishing—to your county office or through SCDNR's wildlife hotline. These reports help officers enforce regulations and protect wildlife populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the county wildlife office remove an animal from my property?

No. County SCDNR offices provide information and guidance but do not perform removal. You will need to hire a licensed private wildlife control company. Your county office can provide a list of licensed operators in your area.

What should I do if I find an injured animal?

Contact your county SCDNR office or search online for the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center. Do not attempt to care for the animal yourself. Place it in a secure container and transport it to the center following their instructions. Handling wild animals without a permit is illegal and dangerous.

Can I trap and relocate a nuisance animal myself?

It depends on the species, the season, and your county. Some animals can be trapped by property owners during certain times of year, but you typically need a permit and must follow rules about where you can release the animal. Call your county SCDNR office to learn what is legal for your situation.

How do I know if an animal is rabid?

Signs of rabies include stumbling, aggression, excessive drooling, and unusual behavior like an animal that is normally nocturnal appearing during the day. If you see an animal acting this way, do not approach it. Call your county SCDNR office or local animal control immediately.

Are there public lands where I can hunt or fish for free?

Yes. SCDNR manages public hunting and fishing areas throughout South Carolina. Some are free; others charge a small fee. Your county office can tell you which public lands are nearby, what species are available, and what seasons apply. You will need a valid hunting or fishing license, which you can purchase from SCDNR.