A woman suffered severe injuries after an alligator latched onto her leg while swimming with her kids at a park in Inverness over Memorial Day weekend. The incident occurred on Monday, May 27, around 3:00 PM at Hidden Creek Park, located at 3865 S. Old Dixie Hwy, Inverness, Florida.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was swimming with her children in the park’s lake when the alligator attacked. She was able to get free and seek help, and emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene. The woman was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries, and her condition is currently unknown. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was notified and responded to the scene to handle the alligator.
The FWC urges people to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when in or near bodies of water where alligators may be present. According to the FWC, alligators are common in freshwater and brackish areas throughout Florida, and attacks can occur when people feed or approach them. The agency provides guidelines for coexisting with alligators, including keeping a safe distance, not feeding them, and being aware of young alligators, which can be more aggressive.
Hidden Creek Park is a popular spot for outdoor recreation in Citrus County, offering picnic areas, walking trails, and a lake for fishing and swimming. The park is managed by the Citrus County Parks and Recreation department.
Originally reported by WFLA – Citrus County
Sources: WFLA – Citrus County
