Girl, 12, Attacked by 12-Foot Alligator While Playing in N.C. Lake: ‘Something Bit Me!’
A serene summer afternoon at Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, turned into a terrifying scene when a 12-year-old girl was attacked by a massive 12-foot alligator while playing in the shallow waters near shore. The incident, which occurred on June 13, 2025, shocked the small lakeside community and has drawn national attention to the dangers of wildlife interactions, particularly in areas where humans and alligators coexist.
According to local authorities and witnesses, the young girl was enjoying the warm weather with a group of friends in about four feet of water when the attack occurred. The group had been splashing, laughing, and cooling off near the dock when the unexpected happened. Without warning, the girl screamed, “Something bit me!” and began thrashing in the water. The other children, startled and frightened, rushed to shore. Moments later, a large, dark shape emerged—an enormous alligator that had silently approached from deeper waters.
Emergency services were called immediately, and bystanders rushed to help the injured child. Lifeguards and a few brave adults assisted in pulling her from the water and provided first aid until paramedics arrived. Fortunately, the girl remained conscious and alert during the ordeal, though she suffered serious lacerations and puncture wounds to her lower limbs. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors treated her injuries. Though the wounds were significant, medical professionals confirmed they were non-life-threatening, and she is expected to make a full physical recovery.
This incident has been confirmed as the first recorded alligator attack at Lake Waccamaw. While the lake is home to a natural alligator population—estimated to be between 570 and 600 individuals—attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. In fact, experts from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) emphasize that alligators typically avoid humans and prefer to remain hidden in secluded areas of the water.
However, wildlife officials also explained that unusual behavior in alligators can sometimes result from human interference. In this case, there is growing suspicion that the alligator involved may have been fed by people. Biologists, including Dr. Alicia Wassmer, have pointed out that when humans feed wild alligators—whether intentionally or inadvertently—they disrupt the animals’ natural fear of humans. This can cause gators to begin associating people with food, leading to dangerous encounters.
“An alligator this size approaching people during the daytime is not normal behavior,” Dr. Wassmer said. “It’s very likely that it had previously been fed by humans, which is not only illegal but incredibly irresponsible. That conditioning changes the alligator’s instincts, and unfortunately, we’re now seeing the consequences.”
Following the incident, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission took swift action. Wildlife officers tracked and captured the alligator believed to be responsible. After confirming it matched the size and location reported, the animal was humanely euthanized. Although euthanizing such a large and likely old alligator is never taken lightly, officials stated it was necessary to protect public safety and prevent future attacks.
The attack has sparked both fear and reflection in the Lake Waccamaw community. Residents have expressed concern over safety, particularly with children swimming in the lake during the busy summer season. Many families are now reconsidering water activities and are urging local authorities to increase signage and safety education about alligator presence.
“We’ve always known there were gators in the lake, but this really changes things,” said local resident Maria Thompson, who has lived near the lake for more than 20 years. “We’ve taught our kids to stay near the dock and not to go out too far, but now I think we need more guidance from the experts. We can’t just pretend this didn’t happen.”
In response, the NCWRC and local park officials are launching new outreach efforts to inform the public about how to safely coexist with wildlife. Key recommendations include:
- Never feeding alligators or leaving food scraps near the water.
- Avoid swimming in areas known for gator activity, especially during dawn or dusk when they are most active.
- Staying in groups and keeping children and pets close by.
- Not approaching or attempting to photograph wild alligators at close range.
- Reporting any unusual gator behavior to wildlife authorities immediately.
The girl, whose identity has not been released for privacy reasons, remains in recovery and is reportedly in good spirits despite the traumatic event. Her parents issued a short statement thanking the community for the outpouring of support, the emergency responders for their quick actions, and the medical team for their excellent care. “We are so grateful our daughter is safe and healing,” the statement read. “We never imagined something like this could happen so close to home, but we hope others can learn from this and stay safe.”
Social media has been flooded with messages of support and well wishes for the brave young girl. Many have called her a hero for remaining calm and alert during such a terrifying encounter. Others have expressed anger at those who may have been feeding alligators in the area, calling for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for violating wildlife regulations.
The Lake Waccamaw incident has also reignited a national discussion on the importance of wildlife education. In many parts of the southeastern United States, alligators are a normal part of the ecosystem. As human development continues to expand into wild habitats, interactions between people and predators are becoming more frequent. Experts stress that awareness and respect are the keys to peaceful coexistence.
“Alligators are not the enemy,” said Dr. Wassmer. “They’re simply wild animals following their instincts. It’s up to us to ensure we don’t provoke or alter those instincts in ways that put ourselves or them in danger.”
As the summer progresses, officials will continue to monitor Lake Waccamaw and other areas known for alligator activity. Patrols have been increased, and further public meetings are planned to discuss safety measures and answer residents’ questions.
This incident, while frightening, serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the responsibility that comes with sharing the environment with wild animals. The 12-year-old girl’s resilience and the quick response by those around her likely prevented what could have been a much more tragic outcome. Her story will no doubt remain etched in the memory of the community for years to come—and may very well save lives by prompting greater caution and awareness.
