Wild animals are popping up in the Silverstreet area with recent sightings of an alligator and a bear. But Department of Natural Resource authorities say the two are native to the state.

The alligator was spotted Wednesday in the pond behind the home of Dave and Debbie Waldrop on Spearman Road. The couple's backyard is used for numerous community events.

Workers were cleaning up around the pond and party house for a dairymen banquet when they spotted the seven- to eight-foot gator.

Debbie Waldrop said a host of friends and family watch Wednesday night as the alligator swam from one end of the pond to the other.

Crews are scheduled to be at the pond today to try to fish the alligator out of the pond.

A few weeks ago a resident on Island Ford Road spotted a bear in her backyard. According to reports, the bear damaged a number of birdhouses and feeders in the yard.

DNR spokesman Mike Willis says the alligator population in the state is about 100,000. Generally the alligators are found east of Bennettsvlle to Columbia to Aiken to the coast.

The alligator could have simply gone outside it's normal territory and wondered into the Waldrop's pond. Also the alligator could have been brought to the area when it was small and later released into the pond.

Willis added that bears are also common to the state and live in the mountains, Piedmont and coast.

“I am not surprised there are not more sightings in Newberry County,“ said DNR spokesman Mike Willis. “These animals are natural in South Carolina but a little unusual.“

For residents who may see either of the uncommon wildlife, they are advised to stay away from the animal and not to fee it.

Also to prevent bears, it is a good idea for rural residents to have locking lids on their trashcans and not to leave dog food out.