Alligator bites off leg of 72-year-old man in Florida RV resort, officials say

Finch Walker, Florida Today
Updated ·1 min read
16

A 72-year-old man's leg was bitten off by an alligator in Florida Friday afternoon, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue officials.

The man, who officials did not identify, was attacked by the alligator at the Great Outdoors RV resort in Titusville, Florida, just before 2 p.m. Friday, according to a statement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The bite amputated the man's leg just below the knee, said Don Walker, a spokesperson for the county.

The man was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center for his injuries, and a nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to the location, the FWC statement said.

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One of several alligators to be seen along the 2-mile loop around the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at the western end of Wickham Road in Viera. This bird watcher and wildlife area is currently closed to vehicles, but is open to pedestrians and those on bicycles.
One of several alligators to be seen along the 2-mile loop around the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at the western end of Wickham Road in Viera. This bird watcher and wildlife area is currently closed to vehicles, but is open to pedestrians and those on bicycles.

No specifics regarding the circumstances that led up to the attack had been released as of Friday evening. The FWC is actively investigating and is the lead agency regarding the incident.

Alligators become more visible and active during spring and summer, the FWC said.

FWC advises residents to keep a safe distance if an alligator is spotted, and to contact FWC with concerns that could required a contracted nuisance alligator trapper.

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Follow reporter Finch Walker on Twitter: @_finchwalker.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Alligator attack: Florida man, 72, loses leg after bite at RV resort