Incident Involving a Crocodile in North Carolina
A girl from North Carolina was injured recently after encountering a crocodile while swimming in Lake Waccamaw, located about an hour east of Wilmington. This happened last weekend, and the local police shared details about the event on June 13.
According to the Waccamaw Lake Police, several children were enjoying the water—about four feet deep—when the 12-year-old victim suddenly shouted that something had bitten her. The group hurriedly exited the water as the crocodile surfaced nearby.
The police reported that while the injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening. There was some uncertainty whether the injury was caused by an actual bite or perhaps something like a claw, but it was confirmed to be a crocodile-related injury.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) responded to the situation, clarifying that a 12-foot male crocodile had made contact with the girl, leading to a laceration on her leg. Interestingly, they indicated this incident was likely not an act of predation, even though medical attention was needed for the injuries.
As investigators looked into the matter, residents pointed out that crocodile sightings seem to be increasing in daytime at local lakes. Consequently, the NCWRC urged people to report any large crocodiles they see basking during the day.
In a related decision, the crocodile involved in the incident was euthanized, following NCWRC protocol, which dictates that any crocodile in human contact is to be euthanized.
The police reminded everyone—locals and visitors alike—to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. They noted that no crocodiles were observed until after the incident, which included several adults nearby. It’s essential to appreciate that these animals are wild and should always be observed from a safe distance.
The NCWRC added that encounters between crocodiles and people are considered very rare in North Carolina. They described the crocodile’s behavior during this particular incident as unusual but not indicative of predatory behavior.
