Current:Home > ScamsCrocodile attacks man in Everglades on same day alligator bites off hand near Orlando -RiskWatch
Crocodile attacks man in Everglades on same day alligator bites off hand near Orlando
View
Date:2025-04-16 14:28:22
A man was injured after being in a rare crocodile attack in the Everglades National Park in Florida on the same day as another man lost his hand in an alligator attack outside Orlando.
A 68-year-old man capsized his boat and was swimming to shore at the Flamingo Marina in the Everglades when witnesses saw him go under water on Sunday, the National Park Service said in a Monday news release.
The man was able to get to safety, and park rangers immediately treated him for a cut on his leg. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition, the park service said.
“Rangers and park biologists are continuing to investigate the incident and monitor the suspected crocodile, which is easily identifiable,” the agency said.
Watch:9-foot crocodile closes Florida beach to swimmers in 'very scary' sighting
Are there crocodiles in Florida?
Yes! Florida is the only place in the U.S. that American crocodiles live in the wild, according to the wildlife commission.
They are considered a conservation success story, as the population has grown to about 2,000 since 1975, when there were only a few hundred living adults. It is still considered a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The crocodile tends to be shy and stick to brackish or salt water, one of its main differences with alligators, which live in fresh water. Crocodiles also tend to be greyish green with pointed snouts, while alligators tend to be black with rounded snouts, according to SeaWorld.
There are approximately 1.3 million alligators in Florida.
Florida man lost his hand in alligator attack
A man was airlifted to the hospital after a roughly 9-foot alligator bit off his hand while fishing in a retirement community outside of Orlando on Sunday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had not released the man's identity as of Monday, but a neighbor told the Daily Commercial, part of the USA TODAY Network, what she saw.
Sally Priest said she saw the man's arm in the alligator’s mouth and that the creature was rolling on the bank.
Experts call it a “death roll.”
Alligator attack:Creature bites off man's hand in Leesburg retirement community
Rescuers cut open gator to try to save detached hand
“I knew he was in trouble so I ran to call 911,” Priest said.
The alligator stopped its attack and went back into the water. A large crowd gathered to help the injured man.
His hand and part of his arm had been bitten off, she said.
A licensed trapper was called, who captured and killed the alligator. The gator was cut open so the victim's hand could be retrieved, but one of the rescue workers speculated that it could not be reattached.
“I feel so bad for the man,” Priest said.
veryGood! (74159)
Related
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- U.S. announces new rule to empower asylum officials to reject more migrants earlier in process
- Father of Harmony Montgomery sentenced to 45 years to life for 5-year-old girl's murder
- In Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley,’ Excitement Over New Emissions Rules Is Tempered By a Legal Challenge to Federal Environmental Justice Efforts
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- US consumer sentiment drops to 6-month low on inflation, unemployment fears
- Alleged Rushdie attacker, awaiting trial in New York, could still face federal charges, lawyer says
- Authorities make arrest in 2001 killing of Georgia law student who was found dead in a burning home
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Senate passes FAA reauthorization bill ahead of deadline
Ranking
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Indiana-Atlanta highlights: How Caitlin Clark, Fever performed in second preseason game
- This Overnight Balm Works Miracles Any Time My Skin Is Irritated From Rosacea, Eczema, Allergies, or Acne
- Bob Ross’ legacy lives on in new ‘The Joy of Painting’ series
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Ariana Madix Teases Life After Vanderpump Rules
- Judge approves conservatorship for Beach Boys' Brian Wilson
- Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafrenière fuel Rangers' comeback in Game 3 win vs. Hurricanes
Recommendation
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
Ariana Madix Teases Life After Vanderpump Rules
Argentina's chainsaw 'anarcho-capitalist' leader Javier Milei defies inflation doubters
Specialty lab exec gets 10-year prison term for 11 deaths from tainted steroids in Michigan
Trump's 'stop
Colorado-based abortion fund sees rising demand. Many are from Texas, where procedure is restricted
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Roast Me (Freestyle)
Father of Harmony Montgomery sentenced to 45 years to life for 5-year-old girl's murder