A total of 58 permits were issued in 1996 and businesses inspected periodically. Permits are also issued for alligator possession for educational, scientific and zoological purposes and 7 new permits were issued bringing the total number of people permitted to possess alligators to 18, which includes several state parks and non-profit nature centers. The nuisance alligator program consists of four contracted alligator trappers. Alligator complaints are coordinated by regional DNR biologists who review incoming calls and issue permits for the trapper to remove the animal. The trapper has 45 days to fulfill the permit and is responsible for skinning and butchering the alligator.
Trappers retain all the income generated from meat and other parts sales.
The increase in complaints is associated with spreading urban centers and is likely to continue. The fall of 1995 was the first time for three decades alligators could be legally harvested from the wild in South Carolina. Interested landowners with 100 acres or more of occupied alligator habitat apply for a quota. A quota is established for each applicant property based on habitat inventories and spotlight surveys conducted by the project supervisor and DNR staff. All parts must carry a tag.