Alligator attacks man in Florida, bites his leg off, officials say
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - An alligator attacked a 72-year-old man and bit part of his leg off Friday afternoon at an RV resort, according to the FWC and Brevard County officials.
The attack happened around 1:50 p.m. at the Great Outdoors RV Resort in Titusville, Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a news release. The man lost his leg at the knee, an official said.
He was flown to Holmes Regional Medical Center. No other details about his condition were immediately released.
A spokesperson for FWC said a trapper was called and two alligators were "removed."
Photos shared with FOX 35.
Alligator attacks in Florida
The FWC said alligator attacks against people are considered to be rare. Alligators typically do not attack people unless provoked, though female alligators can become aggressive during mating season or to protect their nests.
Alligators live in every part of Florida, including lakes, swamps, marches, ponds, and rivers. They are "opportunistic feeders," according to the FWC's website, and primarily eat "fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds." Smaller alligators can eat insects, amphibians, and small fish.
According to the FWC's most recent numbers – last updated November 2021 – there have been 16 deadly alligator bites on people since 2000, and a total of 26 since 1948. Data for 2022 has not been publicly released yet.
However, FOX 35 has reported on alligator attacks that happened in 2022.
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- Woman killed by alligators after falling into Florida pond at country club
Video shows Florida alligator body slam, eat large python in Everglades
A Florida woman captured an incredible video of an alligator enjoying a large python for an afternoon snack, garnering the attention of multiple people on social media. Katina Boychew said she was visiting the Florida Everglades last week when she spotted the alligator in the marsh chomping down on the snake. At one point in the video, the gator could be seen triumphantly, body-slamming his meal.
Giant alligator crushes through metal fence at Florida golf course
It's a competition no one asked for – how would a metal fence fair against an alligator? Easy answer – it doesn't, and the alligator definitely wins! But, the video is awesome to watch. Eric Dagg told Storyful that he works at the Coral Creek Club golf course in Charlotte County, Florida, which is northwest of Fort Myers, where he recently saw a massive alligator making its way along a cart path. At some point, the alligator tried to make its way through a fence along the golf course.
FWC: Alligator safety tips for Florida residents
- Never feed an alligator
- Keep pets away from water's edge
- Swim during the day and in designated areas
- If you see an alligator, keep you distance
Florida Nuisance Alligator Hotline
The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) has been established to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
To become an alligator trapper, you have to submit an application. Visit myfwc.com for more information.