Overview
- A child was bitten by an alligator and stranded with other children on an isolated sandbar before being rescued by Hernando County Fire Rescue, which used an airboat and gave on-scene care; the victim was taken to Bayonet Point Hospital with non-life-threatening puncture wounds.
- The attack occurred on Monday in the Weeki Wachee Preserve, where officials say swimming in lakes is prohibited.
- Authorities estimated the alligator at about 9 to 12 feet long and a licensed Florida wildlife trapper has set traps at the scene to try to capture the animal.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating an alleged swimming violation and local officials are warning the public to obey posted no‑swimming rules near waterways.
- The preserve covers more than 11,200 acres and experts note most alligator incidents happen at the water’s edge and can rise in frequency or aggression during the May–September mating season, so officials say they will monitor the capture outcome and any follow-up enforcement or safety changes.