At a Florida spring on Monday, a “aggressive” alligator attacked a snorkeler, according to U.S. Forest Service officials.
Around 12:30 pm, the victim reported being bitten by a sizable adult gator while “snorkeling within the springs’ designated swim area” at Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest, the agency said in a statement.
Alligator hunter Joseph Vela, who assisted in corralling the beast, told ABC affiliate WCJB-TV that the reptile was taken out and euthanized after it persisted in acting violently. We had to put the animal down because of the circumstances, for the sake of the general public, and for my own safety as I was capturing it by myself in a canoe. It simply became somewhat hairy, he added.
Following the event, swimmers at the swimming area were instructed to exit the water, and the spring was briefly shut down, according to officials.
The U.S. Forest Service reports that the man had puncture and lacerating wounds. He supposedly had the ability to drive himself to the hospital.
Following the discovery of a second, smaller alligator last week, the same spring was briefly shut down. At that time, officials discovered a nest and removed one alligator that was between 5 and 6 feet long, according to WCJB.
In the end, Vela told the station, “[we] removed that alligator and monitored the situation, didn’t see any more other than three- to four-footers in the area.” Then, on July 14, the region reopened.
Given that July is alligator nesting season in Florida, the Forest Service advises anyone swimming there to exercise additional caution during the summer.
According to their statement, “alligator mothers are very alert and protective of their eggs and young.” During this hot season, all reptiles are more active and require more food.
Alligators are experts at camouflaging, blending in well with their surroundings, according to the agency. “They are very territorial, especially at this time of year, and are not easily detected underwater, regardless of how clear the water may appear.”
The “naturally gently sloped spring pool” at Alexander Springs is characterized as being “extraordinarily clear” and “a constant 72°F.” The springs were back in operation as of Wednesday.
