The man who died in an alligator attack Friday drowned after the reptile dragged him into a pond, according to the Horry County Coroner’s Office.
Michael Burstein, 75, was walking near a pond inhabited by several alligators when he was attacked, Horry County Police said Friday. The 11-foot animal was later captured and euthanized by a contract gator catcher and South Carolina Wildlife officials.
The pond is one of several in a housing development and yacht club. Residents know the avoid the alligators, HCPD said, and there are few if any interactions reported. The development abuts a wildlife refuge with a large population of alligators.
The death was the first directly caused by a gator in the Palmetto State in decades.
Alligators typically drag large prey into the water, then secure it on the bottom for later consumption.
North Carolina Wildlife officials are reminding visitors to gator country to avoid feeding alligators, as it makes them lose their fear of humans. Feeding ducks can also attract gators. Pets should be kept on a close leash if they are being walked near areas frequented by alligators. It is against the law feed, harass or tease alligators in North Carolina.
HCPD and S.C. Department of Natural Resources are investigating the death.
