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Posted on 09/14/2026 5:06:19 AM PDT by Red Badger
A child was attacked by an alligator while swimming in restricted Florida waters on Labor Day.
The victim was swimming in the Weeki Wachee Preserve, about 60 miles northwest of Tampa, according to a statement from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. The alligator punctured the swimmer’s arm and leg, and the child was transported to the Bayonet Point Hospital for treatment of the non-fatal injuries.
Officials note that the victim and a group of children became isolated on a sandbar and were rescued by Hernando County Fire Rescue. Following the incident, a licensed Florida wildlife trapper placed traps for the alligator, which was estimated to be between 9 and 12 feet long.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the swimming violation.
“For your safety, please use extreme caution around waterways and follow all posted rules and restrictions,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement. “Do not swim in areas where swimming is prohibited.”
Located in Spring Hill, the Weeki Wachee Preserve is home to a variety of habitats including swamps, marshes and river frontage, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. While the area offers many recreational opportunities, such as fishing and hiking, swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes.
Staying safe in Florida's alligator country
A string of alligator encounters occurred this summer, with three attacks in a span of seven days. Two of the victims sustained injuries, while the third died after suffering from serious wounds.
The chance of being attacked by an alligator is 1 in 24 million, per the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District. The FWC noted that the state averages about eight unprovoked bites per year. Despite the low odds, it is important to coexist with these reptiles, since alligators are a significant part of Florida’s ecosystem.
Experts report that 75 percent of alligator attacks occur during their mating season from May to September, when males are more aggressive and females are protective of their nests. About 90 percent of attacks also occur when people swim close to the water’s edge, where the animals can easily reach them.
Officials advise people to look out for alligators while swimming and to never approach the animals or their nests. Contrary to the myth of running in a zigzag pattern, run in a straight line if an alligator charges, since they cannot run long distances. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention, as their mouths contain bacteria that could cause an infection. People are also encouraged to contact the FWC if they believe an alligator is dangerous.
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Gator ping......................
And don't forget that the chances of being attacked by a squirrel are NEVER ZERO!
“The chance of being attacked by an alligator is 1 in 24 million”
Who makes this stuff up? That’s a ridiculous fallacy!
If you put 24 people in alligator infested water, I’ll guarantee you one is going to get bit.
“The chance of being attacked by an alligator is 1 in 24 million”
If you live in Idaho.............
Doesn’t “restricted Florida waters” mean your not supposed to be there in the first place?
Was the Alligator informed those were restricted waters?? Somebody really dropped the ball.
Pretty much............
Kid will now be known as Tarzan having fought an alligator and survived.
“...swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes.”...............
“it is important to coexist with alligators since they are a significant part of Florida’s ecosystem”
STFU you stupid bastards.
When I was 8 I managed to catch a squirrel with my bare hands, and it managed to wriggle outta my hands, run up my arm, and I mean FAST, and damn near bit my right nipple clean off. After it turned out I was ok, my dad had a bunch of laughs off that until the day he died.
The way the skin was cut and the way it healed, it healed in such a way as to mimic an innie bellybutton. When the skin grew back, it just kinda grew inward, and when I went to enlist, they asked me at the MEPS what happened to my right nipple, and got a bunch of laughs then too.
So yes, there is a greater than zero percent chance of getting your whole day wrecked by a squirrel
As I have pointed out several times, I have a foolproof method for determining if a body of water in Florida has alligators lurking.
Walk up to the edge of the water. Bend down. Splash the water a little with your hand.
If the water is wet, there are alligators in there.
Act accordingly.
You’re welcome.
Got punctured...then transported to Bayonet Point hospital.....can't make this stuff up.
According to AI “Mid-August to Early September: Eggs hatch and mothers guard their young”.
That also works for Water Moccasins, Burmese Pythons and the rare Florida Crocodile...............
I like Florida but I will never be able to unseen an alligator at a marina near Clearwater with a dead dog in its jaws. Looked like a cocker spaniel with a leash on its collar.
How old were these “children,” unsupervised?
In defense of their parent(s), I was largely unsupervised outside by the time I was 7 or 8.
No further information has been released. Rather odd.............
That probability increases dramatically.... when one goes swimming in alligator-infested waters.
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