A 19-year-old snorkeler was bitten by an alligator Sunday in Florida’s Rainbow River, a stark reminder that even popular recreation spots remain active wildlife habitats.
What happened?
Emergency crews were sent to the river near Dunnellon in Marion County around midday after a 911 caller reported that a man had been bitten by an alligator, the Ocala Gazette reported.
Marion County Fire Rescue public information officer James Lucas said responders treated the victim at the scene before taking him to UF Health Shands Hospital.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission later said the victim had been released. Communications coordinator Hailee Seely added that “a contracted nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to the scene, and the 8-foot, 3-inch alligator was dispatched and removed from the area.”…