Child Attacked by Alligator While Swimming in Restricted Florida Waters

A child is recovering from injuries sustained in an alligator attack in Florida. Here is a look at the details of this attack and how common these types of assaults are.

Child Recovering After Alligator Attack in Florida

Officials in Florida confirmed that a child suffered non-fatal injuries after being attacked by an alligator at Weeki Wachee Preserve on Labor Day. According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the alligator punctured the child's arm and leg. The victim was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital for treatment.

Located about 60 miles to the northwest of Tampa in the community of Spring Hill, the Weeki Wachee Preserve is restricted waters, meaning that swimming is prohibited. A group of children had to be rescued by Hernando County Fire Rescue after becoming stranded on a sandbar in the preserve. According to officials, the alligator was captured by traps from a licensed Florida wildlife trapper. The gator was estimated to be between 9 and 12 feet long.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is now investigating the violation.  The sheriff's office released a statement warning, “For your safety, please use extreme caution around waterways and follow all posted rules and restrictions. Do not swim in areas where swimming is prohibited."

Several habitats dot the landscape of the Weeki Wachee Preserve, including marshes, swamps, and river frontage. Although visitors are allowed to fish and hike in the preserve, swimming is strictly prohibited in the lakes.

About Alligator Attacks

Alligator attacks are extremely rare, even in Florida. According to the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, the chance of being attacked by a gator is 1 in 24 million. The FWC said that Florida averages roughly eight unprovoked alligator bites per year.

While the odds of a close encounter with an alligator are rare, it is still important to respect the power of these animals that roam freely within Florida's ecosystem. Approximately 75% of the reported attacks happen during mating season from May to September. This is when males are naturally more aggressive, and females become protective of their nests. In addition, experts note that about 90% of the attacks occur when people approach the water's edge, putting them more in reach of the gators.

Alligators are highly unpredictable animals. You can reduce the chance of becoming a victim of a gator attack by being aware of your surroundings while swimming in Florida's waters. Never approach alligators or their nests.

Despite the common belief that you should run in a zigzag pattern if approached by an alligator, experts say that it is better to run in a straight line. Gators are not equipped to run long distances.

Seek medical attention immediately if bitten, even if it is a minor cut. The mouths of these animals could be riddled with bacteria that trigger an infection. Lastly, people are advised to contact FWC if they encounter an alligator that appears dangerous.

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