Tragic Incident: Family Dog Mauled by Alligator in South Carolina
A heart-wrenching incident has left a family devastated after their beloved dog was attacked and killed by an alligator in South Carolina. The event, which took place in Myrtle Beach, was captured on a doorbell camera, providing a shocking glimpse into the final moments of the family’s cherished pet.
Bob Carnes, a local resident, shared his heartbreaking experience with the media. His German Shepherd, Nova, was known for her love of the water and often spent time on the dock, cooling off in the Intracoastal Waterway. However, during a recent outing, Nova went for a swim and never returned. The family searched for hours, but their efforts were in vain.
Upon checking their Ring doorbell camera, they discovered the horrifying footage that confirmed their worst fears. The video shows Nova walking through the backyard toward the water’s edge. As she jumps into the water, a sudden yelp echoes, signaling the presence of a lurking predator beneath the surface. Carnes described watching the footage as “difficult,” as it became clear that Nova had been taken in seconds.
Nova had been part of the Carnes family for six years and was more than just a pet—she was a family member. Known for her energy and affection, she was a great companion to the children and other animals in the household. Her bond with a duck, her best friend, was especially endearing.
Carnes mentioned that Nova usually wore a GPS collar to prevent her from approaching the water too closely. Unfortunately, part of the collar was broken, which may have contributed to the tragic incident. He is now urging neighbors to be cautious around the waterways, emphasizing that alligators can pose a threat even to strong and large animals.
“She’s much stronger than my grandson or granddaughter as far as swiftness and weighs more,” Carnes said. “They need to be very careful about letting their kids out there along that waterway. It seems like it’s innocent when they’re playing by the water, but it happens very fast.”
This incident is not isolated. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reported that alligators have killed four people in the last five years, including one man in the Myrtle Beach area. In a separate incident, a 61-year-old Florida woman, Cynthia Diekema, was also killed by an alligator while canoeing with her husband. The couple was on a 14-foot canoe in Kissimmee State Park when the attack occurred. The alligator flipped the canoe, causing Cynthia to fall directly onto the creature, which then mauled her.
Her husband, Dave Diekema, tried to defend her but was unable to save her life. He watched helplessly as the alligator dragged her body away. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found Cynthia’s body floating in the water, where she was pronounced dead.
These tragic events highlight the dangers that alligators can pose, even in seemingly safe environments. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and cautious when near waterways, especially in areas known for alligator activity. Families should take precautions to ensure the safety of both humans and pets, particularly in regions where such encounters are possible.
