News Summary

Harbison State Forest, a nature preserve in Columbia, SC, is closed after aggressive dog attacks injured two individuals. Authorities are working to locate the dogs, and the park’s reopening will involve enhanced safety measures. The incident has raised safety concerns among visitors, particularly as the area is popular for outdoor activities.

Columbia, SC – Harbison State Forest Closed After Attacks by Aggressive Pit Bull-Type Dogs

Harbison State Forest, a popular 2,100-acre nature preserve in Columbia, South Carolina, has been closed to the public following serious dog attacks that left two individuals injured. The closure, effective July 14, 2025, at noon, aims to ensure public safety while authorities work to locate and control the aggressive dogs involved in the incidents. A re-evaluation for reopening is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Connor McNeill, a 19-year-old jogger, was the first victim, encountering two large pit bull-type dogs weighing approximately 90 pounds each on July 14, 2025. During his late afternoon jog, McNeill found himself in a perilous situation as the dogs aggressively circled him. In an attempt to fend them off, he engaged in a physical struggle, eventually escaping by jumping onto a tree stump where he remained for about 30 minutes.

After calling 911 without receiving a response, McNeill alerted his aunt and twin sister, Chloe, who then used a location-sharing feature on their cellphones to find him. Despite breaking through two locked gates, they were blocked by a third, requiring quick thinking. Chloe ran down a hill toward her brother but he warned her to stay back, diverting the dogs’ attention to himself. Realizing they wouldn’t leave him alone, he threw rocks to further defend himself.

Local authorities arrived shortly after McNeill’s family reached him, but by the time they arrived, the aggressive dogs had disappeared from the scene. The following day, on July 15, another victim, Winston Holliday, a federal prosecutor, was attacked by the same dogs, sustaining serious injuries that required 17 stitches.

Authorities are struggling to locate the aggressive dogs. In response, they have implemented traps and increased patrols in the area to ensure community safety. The incidents have raised alarms, particularly as seven people have been reported killed by large mix-breed dogs in South Carolina since 2021, according to Victoria Clary, superintendent of Columbia Animal Services.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission has signaled that upon reopening the forest, they will implement additional safety measures for visitors, prominently advising against solo visits. The forest typically welcomes around 200,000 visitors annually, making it a popular spot for joggers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Following the recent attacks, concerns surrounding public safety have intensified, particularly as a road race event was scheduled just before the incidents.

McNeill, who is in excellent physical condition and actively training for Spartan Ultra races in preparation for military service, attributes his ability to survive the attack to his fitness level. His experience highlights the unpredictability of encounters with aggressive animals in outdoor settings, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness among visitors to natural parks.

Harbison State Forest is known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. However, the recent dog attacks have prompted significant changes to ensure the safety of its visitors. Stakeholders now face the challenging task of restoring public confidence in the park’s safety as they navigate through this alarming situation.

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Additional Resources

• WISTV
• Wikipedia: Dog Attack
• WLTX
• Google Search: Harbison State Forest
• The State
• Google News: Harbison State Forest dog attack
• WYFF4
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog Attack
• WACH
• Google Scholar: Dog Attack South Carolina

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

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