An alligator in Florida has captured the attention of locals after it was spotted with the top half of its jaw missing. The shocking image was taken by Eustacia Kanter at Wilson’s Landing Park in Sanford, Florida on August 29. Concerned for the alligator’s well-being, Katrina Shadix posted the photo on Facebook, asking for help.

A Grim Condition

The photograph reveals the alligator’s fully visible tongue and a snout torn below the eyeballs. Wildlife rehabilitator Kim Titterington described the situation as “very shocking.” While the alligator seems to have good body weight and the injury appears to have healed over, Titterington believes it has slim chances of survival in the wild.

The Cause of the Injury

Since the alligator has managed to evade capture, Titterington can only speculate on the cause of its condition. She suggests that the injury could have been caused by another alligator or possibly by getting caught in a hunting snare. The clean cut implies that the snare may have been the cause.

The Search for Help

Katrina Shadix took action and reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). They informed her that their officers are actively searching for the alligator and have a licensed facility ready to care for it once it’s captured. Unfortunately, the FWC did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment, leaving the situation uncertain.

A Familiar Story

This isn’t the first time an alligator in Florida has faced such unfortunate circumstances. Earlier this year, another alligator was found with its mouth taped shut in a pond in Hillsborough County. It had suffered for two months before being rescued. Luckily, it was taken to Gatorama, a family-run alligator park in Palmdale, where it received immediate care and treatment.

Stay tuned for updates on this brave alligator’s journey to recovery!