A swimmer was bitten by a 7.5-foot alligator on Monday while snorkeling in a Florida spring that is designated for swimming, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The man was snorkeling in the Rainbow River near Dunnellon when he was attacked by the alligator. He suffered puncture wounds and lacerations to his arm and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
FWC officers responded to the scene and searched for the alligator, but were unable to locate it. They are urging swimmers to use caution in the area.
“Alligators are apex predators in Florida and can be dangerous,” said FWC spokesperson Gary Morse. “It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid swimming in areas where alligators are known to be present.”
The attack is the latest in a string of alligator attacks in Florida this year. In July, a man was killed by an alligator in a retention pond in Lakeland. In June, a woman was seriously injured by an alligator in a lake in Orlando.
FWC officials say that alligator attacks are rare, but they do happen. They offer the following safety tips to avoid alligator attacks:
- Never swim in areas where alligators are known to be present.
- Always stay at least 10 feet away from alligators.
- Do not feed alligators.
- Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
If you see an alligator, do not approach it. Leave the area and call FWC at (888) FWC-WILD.