In what is thought to be the first confirmed alligator-fatality in decades, Horry County Police said today (Friday) that one person is dead after an alligator attack this morning.
HCPD said in a press release that Horry County Fire-Rescue was called to Excalibur Court around 11:45 a.m. The call originally came in as a water rescue emergency, the release said. HCPD and South Carolina Wildlife responded to assist.
“Units determined that an alligator had taken hold of a neighbor and retreated into a nearby retention pond,” the release said.
A state biologist and state-contracted alligator specialist euthanized the animal on the scene. The victim’s body was later recovered.
A death investigation is underway by HCPD.
North and South Carolina both have growing populations of alligators. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission prohibits feeding, harassing or teasing alligators under any circumstances.
