A woman was attacked by an alligator while on a hiking trail in the Bird Rookery Swamp in Collier County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
After emerging from the water, the alligator bit the woman on her arm and leg, the FWC said.
She was rushed to the hospital, her condition has not been released.
Hiker surprised by attack
Signs warning about alligators are posted throughout the trails, according to CBS-affiliate WINK in Fort Myers.
Susan Knowlton, who frequently hikes the area, expressed her surprise at the incident.
“I’m shocked. I’ve never heard of anyone being attacked or bit by an alligator,” said Knowlton.
Knowlton said she’s never felt threatened by the gators.
“They are very docile in my experience,” she said.
Simple strategy to avoid alligator encounter
Joshua Bucher, who also frequents the trails, said his strategy to avoid being bitten is simple: keep your distance.
“I stay away from them. If you give them space, they’ll stay away from you,” he said.
Wildlife officials said serious attacks happen rarely, but this incident serves as a reminder that alligators live in nearly every body of water in Florida. They urged hikers, or those near the water, to keep pets leashed, never feed the gators and always give them space.
