LAKE WACCAMAW, N.C. (WBTW) — A child was seriously injured by an alligator Friday evening while playing with a group of other children in Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County, police said in a Facebook post.

The Lake Waccamaw Police Department said an alligator “definitely” caused the injuries, but it’s unclear whether the child was bitten or clawed. Their injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

The children were playing in about 4 feet of water when police said one of them exclaimed, “something bit me.” After the children were all out of the water, a 6- or 7-foot-long alligator surfaced in the area where they had been.

The alligator was neutralized, police said.

“[The] NC Wildlife Resources Commission is on point with this situation and are doing an excellent job,” police said in the post. “We remind our residents and visitors to remain ever vigilant and aware of their surroundings. In this particular case, the gator was never seen till after the incident occurred, and multiple adults were present. Please respect the water and understand these animals are not tame or pets. If you see one, maintain a safe distance at all times. And exit the water if you are in it.”