Child rushed to hospital after being mauled by 12-foot alligator during swim in Florida lake
A child is recovering in hospital after being mauled by an alligator while swimming in a lake in Florida, police say.
The child who has not been identified, was attacked at the Weeki Wachee Preserve in Hernando County, Florida on Monday.
Officials said the alligator was estimated to be between nine-to-12-feet long, and it targeted the child as they were swimming in a lake.
The victim and several other children reportedly became isolated on a sandbar following the attack, before they were rescued by the Hernando County Fire Rescue service.
The child suffered ‘puncture’ injuries to their arm and leg, but the injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
They were rushed to Bayonet Point Hospital, where officials said the child is expected to recover.
A child is recovering in hospital after being mauled by an alligator while swimming in a lake at the Weeki Wachee Preserve in Hernando County, Florida, on Monday
Officials said the alligator was estimated to be between nine-to-12-feet long, and it targeted the victim as they were swimming in a lake with other children
A licensed Florida wildlife trapper was called to the scene, and traps were set to catch the alligator, reports Fox13.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said in a release following the attack: ‘For your safety, please use extreme caution around waterways and follow all posted rules and restrictions.
‘Do not swim in areas where swimming is prohibited.’
