A woman has died after being attacked by an alligator that she wanted to get a closer look at.
Cynthia Covert, 58, was taking pictures of the alligator before getting into a pond at a gated community on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, WBRZ reports.
Cynthia was a manicurist who visited her friend's house on 1 May to do her nails and had a glass of wine during her visit.
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According to a report from Charleston County deputies: "When Covert was doing her nails on the porch, she saw the alligator in the pond and was fascinated by the alligator.
"[She] stated after Covert was finished with her nails she went outside of the porch and was taking pictures of the alligator."
The report goes on to say, her friend warned her not to go near the reptile, telling her she had seen it grab a deer a few days before. Cynthia replied: "I don't look like a deer" before reaching out to touch the gator.
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The animal then began to drag Cynthia down, but she managed to get away after her friend's husband and a neighbour threw a rope out for her, as she took hold of the rope she said: "I guess I won't do that again."
But tragically the alligator made another grab for Cynthia and this time pulled her under water, where she drowned.
Deputies later arrived on the scene and killed the alligator and retrieved Cynthia's body.
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Following the incident, Charleston County Sheriff's Office tweeted out a warning to other residents, posting: "May 1 Kiawah Island incident in which victim was pulled into pond by alligator, coroner has ruled death as accidental drowning.
"This case is an unfortunate tragedy. We urge citizens to be alert and cautious around wildlife. Enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly."
Kiawah Island Mayor Craig Weaver said in a statement: "We live closely with nature on this island. An alligator caused death is exceedingly rare and has not happened on our island before to my knowledge.
"We know that we must act responsibly and with care around these animals. Consequently, it will be important to know and to share with the community the facts and circumstances from this tragedy, so we can avoid experiencing anything like this again."
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