Overview

• The girl was in about four feet of water with other children on June 13 when the alligator grabbed her legs and pulled her under briefly.
• Medical responders said her injuries were serious but not life-threatening and she is now recovering.
• The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission euthanized the roughly 12-foot male alligator and has opened an investigation.
• Alligator biologists warned that feeding these reptiles can teach them to associate humans with food and draw them into recreational areas.
• Local authorities reminded residents and visitors that feeding alligators is a felony and urged everyone to stay vigilant near the lake.