A girl of twelve years old was injured by an alligator at a lake in North Carolina, according to the authorities. This is the first time that an incident of this nature has occurred in the history of the region.
On Friday, June 13, more than a dozen children were having fun in Lake Waccamaw, which is a large lake filled with freshwater, when one of the children yelled out, “Something bit me!”
An alligator emerged from the same location as the children were rushing out of the water, which was four feet deep, according to a statement released by the Lake Waccamaw Police Department.
The injuries that the youngster got were considered to be serious, but they were not considered to be life-threatening in any manner, according to the authorities.
The nature of the injuries, specifically whether they were caused by a bite or a claw, is also unknown. On the other hand, the alligator was unquestionably the cause of them.
Immediately following the assault, the animal was reportedly “neutralized,” as stated by the authorities. It has been confirmed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) that this action is the standard procedure that is followed whenever a human comes into contact with an alligator.
The injured child will, thankfully, make a full recovery.
“She had a few stitches and, other than that, she’s doing great,” Scott Hyatt, Chief of Police of the Lake Waccamaw Police Department states. He confirms that the victim is a 12-year-old girl and that the rest of the children are “all fine.”
According to Hyatt, the alligator was over 12 feet long once officials had a chance to measure it, despite the original statement describing it as six to seven feet long. Regarding the size, he declares, “It’s a monster.”
According to Hyatt, the alligator attack is the first in Lake Waccamaw’s history. There are about 570 alligators in the lake.
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The young girl did not do anything wrong, according to NCWRC alligator biologist Alicia Wassmer. The odd behavior was coming from the alligator.
Wassmer stated, “They very rarely get in the lake, especially during the daytime.” Unprovoked attacks by alligators are uncommon.
“In that incident, that behavior that was displayed is very much associated with alligators that have been fed,” she stated.
The NCWRC states on its website that intentionally feeding alligators, which are indigenous to the area, is “dangerous and illegal in most states.” Alligators may start to associate humans with food if they are fed, whether on purpose or by accident.
For those who wish to enjoy the water in a safe manner, the police department also offered advice.
“Please respect the water and understand these animals are not tame or pets,” they stated. “If you see one, maintain a safe distance at all times. And exit the water if you are in it.”
