Sanibel man bit by alligator while rinsing hands in pond

An alligator bit a man rinsing his hand in a Sanibel pond, city officials reported Thursday.

In a news release, officials said a man was washing his hands about 11 a.m. when a gator bit him. The man freed himself and called 911 as witnesses applied a tourniquet.

The man sustained a serious injury to his right forearm, and Lee County EMS took him to the hospital, the release conveyed.

Crocodile remainsShe's a survivor: Sanibel golf course's celebrity crocodile reappears after Hurricane Ian

Ancient dinosaurs:What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?

Florida alligators:Florida has 1.3 million alligators. What to know about gator hunting season, trapping permits

The pond is adjacent to the 2400 block of Periwinkle Way.

Throughout the afternoon, Florida Fish and Wildlife, along with a Florida State trapper were attempted to capture the alligator, officials said.

After Hurricane Ian struck the barrier island on Sept. 28, city officials warned those that the island wildlife was upended. Animals on the island include alligators, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, pigs, armadillos, and a crocodile, with at least one black bear sighting since 2011

With the destruction, officials restricted access, with residents and approved workers the only people allowed on the island.

Agencies assisting Sanibel police with the rescue included Orlando Police Department, Jacksonville Beach Police Department, Panama City Police Department, St. Petersburg Police Department, Sanibel Fire Department, and Lee County EMS, officials said.

Stacey Henson is the breaking news/visuals editor for The News-Press and Naples Daily News. You may contact her at shenson@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Sanibel Island alligator bites man attempting to rinse hands