Current:Home > ContactCrocodile attacks man in Everglades on same day alligator bites off hand near Orlando -TrueNorth Capital Hub
Crocodile attacks man in Everglades on same day alligator bites off hand near Orlando
View
Date:2025-04-13 18:36:28
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! (79)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota’s lone congressman, runs for governor
- Norman Jewison, director and Academy Award lifetime achievement honoree, dead at 97
- Country singer Chris Young arrested at Nashville bar, charged with assault, disorderly conduct
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Rights center says Belarusian authorities have arrested scores of people in latest crackdown
- Coco Gauff displays inspirational messages on her shoes at Australian Open
- Emily Blunt, America Ferrera and More Can Officially Call Themselves First-Time Oscar Nominees
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Outgoing North Dakota Gov. Burgum sees more to do for the ‘underestimated’ state
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Massachusetts governor praises Navy SEAL who died trying to save fellow SEAL during a mission
- 'Angel watching over us': Family grieves 13-year-old South Carolina boy after hunting death
- Man suspected of killing 8 outside Chicago fatally shoots self in Texas confrontation, police say
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- ‘Gone Mom’ prosecutors show shirt, bra, zip ties they say link defendant to woman’s disappearance
- The Best Comfy & Chic Work Clothes To Upgrade Your Office Looks
- A man diagnosed with schizophrenia awaits sentencing after fatally stabbing 3 in the UK last year
Recommendation
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
Greek Church blasts proposed same-sex civil marriages, will present its views to congregations
Military veteran charged in Capitol riot is ordered released from custody
Billy Joel returns to the recording studio with first new song in nearly 20 years
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Frantic authorities in Zambia pump mud from Chinese-owned mine where 7 workers are trapped
San Diegans cry, hug, outside damaged homes after stunning flash floods in normally balmy city
Outgoing North Dakota Gov. Burgum sees more to do for the ‘underestimated’ state