Child Hospitalized After Alligator Attack in Florida's Weeki Wachee Preserve
A child was bitten by a large alligator while stranded on a sandbar in the Weeki Wachee Preserve and was taken to Bayonet Point Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
On Labor Day, a child became stranded on a sandbar within the Weeki Wachee Preserve, an area where swimming is prohibited. While awaiting rescue, a 9- to 12-foot alligator attacked, biting the child's arm and leg. Hernando County Fire Rescue responded with an airboat and retrieved the children, after which the injured child was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening wounds.
The Hernando County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident and noted that a licensed Florida wildlife trapper was dispatched to set traps for the reptile. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the illegal swimming breach. Officials reiterated warnings to obey posted signage and exercise caution near Florida waterways. The preserve spans more than 11,200 acres and lies roughly 50 miles north of Tampa.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of ignoring swimming bans in wildlife habitats and the need for public safety awareness.
In this story
