There are swamps, and then there is the Four Hole  Swamp in South Carolina. This section here is 18,000 acres. It is part of a swamp black river that runs 62 miles.

Below you can see how thick with vegetation it is. There are Cypress over 1,500 years old all around you.

As you would expect there are various critters living here to be avoided.

The first to give some space is a common South Carolina resident, the Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin). A poisonous viper  that will run away rather than confront a human, but best to be aware of them.

Below is exactly who you knew would live here. They prefer a little more space, open water, than the thick parts of the swamp. Especially this particular guy. It’s hard to tell from this shot but man…this was a big ole boy.

While I don’t have any photos of them the most common resident are insects. Some bite, some don’t. Best not to walk around with your mouth open, just sayin.

Four Hole Swamp, South Carolina.