In a terrifying incident at a lake in North Carolina, a 12-year-old girl was attacked by a more than 12-foot-long alligator while playing in the water. The incident, which occurred on Friday, June 13, marked the first known alligator attack in the area’s history, alarming both residents and authorities.
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The young girl was among several children enjoying a day at Lake Waccamaw, a well-known freshwater lake in the region. Suddenly, amidst the playful activities, the girl screamed out in pain, announcing, “Something bit me!” The children quickly exited the water, only to witness an alligator emerging from the same spot where the attack occurred, as described by the Lake Waccamaw Police Department in a statement.
Authorities have reported that while the injuries sustained by the victim were serious, they were fortunately not life-threatening. The exact nature of the injuries remains unclear – whether they were caused by a bite or a claw from the alligator. Following the attack, the animal was promptly “neutralized” in line with standard procedure when human encounters with alligators occur, as confirmed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
Chief of Police Scott Hyatt of the Lake Waccamaw Police Department reassured the public that the injured girl is on the path to recovery. Despite needing a few stitches, she is reported to be in good spirits. Hyatt also confirmed that the rest of the children present during the incident are unharmed, with their safety ensured.
Initial reports indicated that the alligator in question measured between six to seven feet in length. However, upon further examination, officials determined that the reptile actually exceeded 12 feet in size, leading to Hyatt referring to it as a “monster.” This attack stands as the first ever recorded in Lake Waccamaw’s history, an area known to house around 570 alligators.
Alicia Wassmer, an alligator biologist at NCWRC, pointed out that the young girl was not at fault for the attack. Rather, it was the alligator’s unusual behaviour that led to the unfortunate incident. Wassmer highlighted that such occurrences are rare, especially during daylight hours, and are often associated with alligators that have been deliberately fed by humans.
The NCWRC emphasised the dangers of feeding alligators, which is illegal in most states and can lead these creatures to link humans with a potential food source, potentially increasing the risk of attacks. In light of the incident, the police department urged caution for those enjoying recreational activities around waters inhabited by alligators, advising the public to maintain a safe distance and exit the water if an alligator is spotted.
This harrowing encounter serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and understanding the risks associated with interactions in their natural habitats. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of residents in the area.