Posted on 06/12/2021 12:56:15 PM PDT by simpson96
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) – A Florida man is recovering after surviving an alligator attack over the weekend.
Jeffrey Heim was diving in the Myakka River on Sunday looking for megalodon teeth when he was attacked from behind by an alligator.
“I thought it was a boat it hit me so fast or it felt like it was so fast,” the 25-year-old said.
He told our sister station WFLA he wasn’t in the water for very long when the attack happened. He thinks the alligator was about 9 feet long and possibly a female. It’s currently alligator mating season in Florida.
“I look up and the gator is right in front of me and we are looking at each other and we are both confused,” added Heim.
Heim now has 34 stitches in his head, a minor skull fracture and bite marks on one of his hands. Doctors told him there is no brain damage from the attack, which he said is a miracle. He will have the stitches for at least a few weeks.
“If it would have got me anywhere else, it could have been a different story. The chance of me walking away from that is why it is a miracle,” said Heim.
He is also grateful for the good Samaritans who called 911 and took care of him while he waited for the ambulance to arrive.
While Heim recovers from his injuries, he is unable to work at his job as a personal trainer.
(Excerpt) Read more at fox8.com ...
In Florida, I would assume there could be an alligator in any body of water. Just like here in Pennsylvania, I assume if there’s trees, there could be deer.
“Doctors told him there is no brain damage from the attack, which he said is a miracle.”
Well, you can’t catch what you already have. That’ my theory, at least.
Why would anybody jump in a body of freshwater anywhere in the state of Florida?
That too.
“In Florida, I would assume there could be an alligator in any body of water.”
Aaand, just because there wasn’t one there yesterday, it doesn’t mean one isn’t there today. They migrate and a 6 ft chain link fence doesn’t even slow them down.
Be nice to know where this photo was taken especially for the benefit of those that dont read the entire article b4 commenting.
Problem was, one of the prehistoric fossils he was searching for turned out to be alive.
Deer? I usually assume black bear. Deer are ubiquitous enough to be found far from the forests.
Those meg teeth only sell forabout $200@ not worth it.
I live at the foot of the Poconos, and only 1 time did I ever see a bear wander through my town. But there’s always plenty of deer while driving.
Happened last week and the guy admitted it was a dum-ass mistake. I frequent Snook Haven and flip F Fries into the Mayaka which is below the deck my outdoor table is at. Gators love F Fries ,divers too
Looks like the gator got over his confusion
We were at St. Simons Island in GA, and upon arrival with the family and two dogs, I said the same thing.
A friend who grew up in S. GA near the Okefenokee Swamp observed as a teen a Yankee tourist get her toy poodle converted into an afternoon snack by walking the dog too close to the water’s edge.
Maybe the Gator was just horny..................
Hi again.
Wait till July, they will either kill you or mate with you. Do you know how alligators kill and hide their prey?
Be advised, alligators are everywhere in Florida. If you are a liberal from a northern gulag state, stay there. Alligators especially like white meat.
They will eat your dog or cat. And if given a chance, you.
This has been a PSA.
5.56mm
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