A 12-foot alligator was euthanized by North Carolina officials after it injured a young girl while swimming in Lake Waccamaw, a popular summer state park destination. The incident, which occurred on a recent weekend, involved multiple children playing in about four feet of water when one girl yelled, “Something bit me!” The alligator then surfaced in the shallow water, prompting the children to be rushed out of the water. The injuries sustained by the 12-year-old girl were described as serious but not life-threatening, with the exact cause—whether a bite or a claw—remaining unclear. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed the alligator made contact with the victim, resulting in a laceration and scratches on her legs. The commission stated the incident was not a predatory attack and emphasized that such encounters are rare. Officials have urged residents and visitors to maintain vigilance and stay aware of their surroundings, noting that the alligator was never seen until after the incident occurred, despite multiple adults being present.
The Lake Waccamaw Police Department reported the incident on Friday, June 13, noting that the alligator’s behavior was described as “unusual” but “not predatory in nature.” The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has issued a statement emphasizing that such human-alligator encounters are “extremely rare” in the state. The commission also requested that residents notify them if they observe large alligators in the lake during daylight hours near piers or in the lake itself, particularly if the alligator shows a lack of fear or aggressive behavior. This incident has been added to a growing list of unusual alligator-related events recently, including a rattlesnake bite on a teen during a fishing trip in a Southern state and another incident where Florida motorcyclists were injured after hitting a six-foot alligator on a highway.
North Carolina wildlife officials have reiterated the importance of caution and awareness, stressing that alligators should never be approached or attempted to be handled. The alligator involved in this incident, which was euthanized as per NCWRC protocols, was found to have made contact with a human, necessitating its removal. Officials advise that visitors to the area should ensure they are aware of their surroundings and avoid entering water where alligators may be present, especially during daylight hours when such encounters are more likely. The NCWRC has also acknowledged that while these incidents are rare, they do occur and that the presence of large alligators in recreational areas requires vigilance from both visitors and local authorities. Overall, the incident has sparked renewed discussions about wildlife management and public safety in North Carolina’s natural reserves.