Child survives frightening alligator attack after venturing into restricted Florida waters
The Weeki Wachee Preserve, where the attack occurred, is off-limits for swimming.
FILE: Florida officer wrangles aggressive alligator
An officer from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office wrangled an aggressive alligator, a frightening reminder of the annual alligator threat to Floridians.
THE TAKEAWAY
- A child was attacked by an alligator while swimming in a preserve in Florida.
- The Weeki Wachee Preserve, where the attack occurred, is off-limits for swimming.
- The alligator is about 9 to 12 feet long.
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A horrifying scene unfolded in Florida where a child was attacked by an alligator while swimming in a preserve on Labor Day.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, officers were notified of a child who was bitten by an alligator while swimming in the Weeki Wachee Preserve.
Officials note that the incident resulted from a swimming violation, as the preserve is off-limits for swimming.
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The alligator was able to puncture the arm and leg of the victim, but was not considered to be life-threatening and the child was transported to a hospital in Hudson, Florida.
Florida, Naples, warning sign, no fishing, swimming, beware of alligators.
(Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
The victim, along with other children, sought refuge on an isolated sandbar before being saved by the Hernando County Fire Rescue squad.
Officials estimate the alligator is about 9 to 12 feet long.
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Afterward, a licensed Florida wildlife trapper set up traps to capture the alligator.
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(Lacy Jane Turner via Storyful / FOX Weather)
Officials warn the public to use extreme caution around waterways and follow the restrictions in place to avoid incidents like this.
According to the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, the chances of being attacked by an alligator are about 1 in 24 million.
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American Alligator pictured at Everglades National Park, Florida.
(James Abernethy/Future Publishing / Getty Images)
Officials said 90% of attacks occur while people are wading or swimming at the water's edge, where alligators can lunge at prey.
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During the mating season, May through September, male alligators are more aggressive, and females are protective of nests.