Alligator Injures Girl at North Carolina’s Lake Waccamaw Swimming Spot

Sarah Johnson
June 19, 2025
Brief
Girl injured by alligator while swimming in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. Authorities urge vigilance around wildlife.
A 12-year-old girl in North Carolina faced a scary encounter last weekend when an alligator injured her while swimming in Lake Waccamaw, a popular summer spot about an hour east of Wilmington. The incident unfolded as a group of children played in shallow water, roughly four feet deep, when the young girl shouted, "Something bit me!" The kids scrambled out of the lake, and moments later, an alligator surfaced nearby.
According to local police, the girl’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening, though it’s unclear whether the wounds came from a bite or a claw. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) confirmed the culprit was a 12-foot male alligator, which left the girl with a laceration and scratches on her legs. Authorities emphasized this wasn’t a predatory attack but noted the alligator’s contact with a human warranted action. Following protocol, the animal was euthanized.
Residents have reported seeing alligators more frequently in Lake Waccamaw during daylight hours, raising concerns about their behavior. The NCWRC is now urging people to report large alligators lingering near piers or showing no fear of humans. Police stressed vigilance, reminding everyone that these creatures are wild, not pets. "Respect the water," they urged, advising swimmers to exit immediately if an alligator is spotted.
Such incidents are rare in North Carolina, and the NCWRC described the alligator’s actions as unusual but not aggressive. Still, this sobering moment serves as a reminder: nature demands respect, and even a fleeting encounter can leave a mark.
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Editor's Comments
Talk about a summer swim turning into a real-life Jaws moment! This alligator clearly didn’t get the memo that Lake Waccamaw isn’t its personal buffet. Jokes aside, it’s wild how these gators are popping up like uninvited guests at a barbecue. Maybe it’s time for a ‘No Alligators Allowed’ sign—or at least a lifeguard with a lasso!
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