Current:Home > FinanceCrocodile attacks man in Everglades on same day alligator bites off hand near Orlando -AssetLink
Crocodile attacks man in Everglades on same day alligator bites off hand near Orlando
View
Date:2025-04-15 00:29:46
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! (755)
Related
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Drive a Honda or Acura? Over 2.5 million cars are under recall due to fuel pump defect
- Taraji P. Henson tearfully speaks out about pay inequality: 'The math ain't math-ing'
- Meet 'Ricardo': NJ Transit sells plush toy inspired by loose bull spotted on train tracks
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Hardy Lloyd sentenced to federal prison for threatening witnesses and jurors during Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial
- NFL Week 16 picks: Do Rams or Saints win key Thursday night matchup for playoff positioning?
- World Bank projects that Israel-Hamas war could push Lebanon back into recession
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- When does Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 1 end and Season 2 begin?
Ranking
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Cuisinart Flash Deal, Save $100 on a Pizza Oven That’s Compact and Easy To Use
- US defense secretary makes unannounced visit to USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier defending Israel
- Science says declining social invites is OK. Here are 3 tips for doing it
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- 10 NFL records that could be broken in 2023 season
- Photos of Iceland volcano eruption show lava fountains, miles-long crack in Earth south of Grindavik
- Shohei Ohtani is the AP Male Athlete of the Year for the 2nd time in 3 years
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
New York City’s teachers union sues Mayor Eric Adams over steep cuts to public schools
Live updates | UN aid resolution and diplomatic efforts could yield some relief for Gaza
Apple loses latest bid to thwart patent dispute threatening to stop U.S. sales of two watch models
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Who had the best concert of 2023? We rank the top 10 including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, U2
French serial killer's widow, Monique Olivier, convicted for her part in murders
‘You are the father!’ Maury Povich declares to Denver Zoo orangutan