Alligator Bites Child in Off-Limits Nature Preserve

A young swimmer was rushed to the hospital after a massive alligator attacked them inside a Florida nature preserve where swimming is prohibited, authorities said.

The terrifying encounter unfolded Monday afternoon at Weeki Wachee Preserve in Hernando County.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was swimming in the preserve when an alligator estimated to be between 9 and 12 feet long struck.

The young victim, who has not been publicly identified, suffered puncture wounds to the arm and leg.

Making matters worse, the injured swimmer and several other people became stranded on a sandbar after the attack and could not safely make it back to land.

Hernando County Fire Rescue responded around 2:30 p.m. along with deputies and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Fire Rescue’s Special Operations Marine Unit used an airboat to reach the stranded group, provide medical treatment and bring everyone back to safety.

The victim was then taken to Bayonet Point Hospital for additional treatment. Authorities said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Wildlife expert Christopher Gillette, owner of Bellowing Acres Animal Sanctuary in Interlachen, said the frightening attack highlights why swimmers should stay out of areas where entering the water is banned.

Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, he told Fox News Digital.

“That’s really kind of the root of the issue here: You’re swimming in the no-swimming zone,” Gillette said. “We’re very fortunate that the kid did survive.”

Gillette said people should only swim in designated areas where officials have determined it is safer to enter the water.

“If you’re going to go swimming, only go swimming in designated swimming zones where we know there are not alligators,” he said.

According to Gillette, three behaviors repeatedly put people at risk around alligators: swimming in alligator habitat, feeding the reptiles and allowing children or pets to get too close to the water’s edge.

He also explained why swimmers can become especially vulnerable.

An alligator’s eyes sit only about an inch above the water while it is swimming. From that low vantage point, the animal may see little more than a person’s head and arms moving across the surface.

To an alligator, Gillette said, “you look like small prey.”

His advice for avoiding an attack was simple.

“My advice is don’t end up there in the first place,” he said. “It’s incredibly dangerous even for someone who knows what they’re doing.”

A licensed wildlife trapper responded to Weeki Wachee Preserve after the attack and placed traps in an effort to capture the alligator involved.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is also investigating the alleged swimming violation.

Authorities are once again warning visitors to obey signs and restrictions around Florida waterways.

“Do not swim in areas where swimming is prohibited,” the sheriff’s office said.