‘Aggressive’ alligator bites snorkeler in popular Florida swimming area, officials say
An “aggressive” alligator bit a snorkeler, closing a popular swimming area in Florida, officials said.
The man “suffered puncture wounds and lacerations” after the reptile attacked him in a “designated swim area” on Monday, July 17. He went to an emergency room for treatment, according to the U.S. Forest Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The attack was reported at about 12:30 p.m. within the Ocala National Forest of Lake County, roughly 60 miles north of Orlando.
After the incident, National Forests in Florida announced it “temporarily closed the Alexander Springs swim area.” The spring is known for clear, “turquoise waters” that stay about 72 degrees, providing opportunities for underwater activities.
As workers in the area rushed to help the man injured in the alligator attack, they cleared people out of the water, officials said.
A contractor caught an alligator believed to have bitten the man. The gator — which was more than 7 feet long — was taken from the area, officials wrote in news releases.
The attack was reported during a time of year when alligators may be more active and alert.
“Alexander Springs was briefly closed earlier this month for the removal of a different alligator,” the Forest Service wrote, adding the swimming area reopened July 14 before the attack shut it down a few days later. No injuries have been reported in other Ocala National Forest gator incidents this year.
While female alligators usually don’t grow longer than 10 feet, males in Florida have stretched over 14 feet. The creatures can be found throughout the state, often living in lakes and rivers, wildlife officials wrote on their website.
Though serious alligator attacks are rare in Florida, people are urged to take steps to help avoid encounters. Those include keeping pets far from waterways and staying in designated areas while swimming.
As of July 18, an investigation into the Lake County attack was ongoing. The wildlife commission didn’t share what happened to the gator that was removed from Alexander Springs and told McClatchy News it didn’t have additional information to release.
The Forest Service, which is working with Florida officials to “monitor conditions and remove alligators as necessary,” said bite marks from the removed gator will be compared to those found on the man who was attacked.
Alligator bites 79-year-old during early-morning walk in Florida golf community, cops say
Bar customer rushes to help man during Florida alligator attack after hearing screams
