In 2024, Winnipesaukee saw record cyanobacteria blooms, amid warmer temperatures and an increase in nutrients that feed the bacteria.

From beaches to backyards, there have been several alligator encounters in recent weeks throughout North Carolina. On June 13, a 12-year-old girl was injured by an alligator in Lake Waccamaw.

The lake has dropped by nearly 30 feet due to ongoing cleanup and rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

A 12-year-old girl in Southeastern, North Carolina was seriously injured after a scary encounter with an alligator while swimming in a lake.

North Carolina officials euthanized a 12-foot alligator after it injured a young girl swimming in Lake Waccamaw, noting the unusual but non-predatory nature of the rare encounter.

North Carolina wildlife officials confirmed Tuesday that a 12-year-old girl was hurt last week in an incident involving a 12-foot-long alligator at Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County.