Florida: Man’s arm amputated behind bar after attack by 10ft alligator | US News
A Florida man lost his arm after an alligator attacked him behind a bar early Sunday morning.
A patron at Port Charlotte’s Banditos bar was flown to a hospital by helicopter after the horrific alligator attack.
The 23-year-old victim, whose name was not released by authorities, was taken to hospital with “serious injuries” where doctors determined his arm had to be amputated.
However, NBC-2 identified the victim as Jordan Rivera.
“I didn’t lose my life, I lost an arm,” he told local broadcaster. “It’s not the end of the world, you know.”
Rivera said he fell into the pond to relieve himself as the queue for the toilet inside was too long.
“I didn’t know how big it was at the time because when I went there something happened where I either tripped or the ground just gave out under me,” he said. “I ended up in the water.” And that’s literally the last thing I remember.’
Rivera said he woke up in the hospital the next morning and lost his right arm.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) dispatched a troublesome alligator catcher to the scene, who trapped the dangerous reptile on the property before humanely killing it.
The giant beast measured 10 feet and 5 inches in total. The FWC is currently investigating the attack.
“The FWC gives public safety the highest priority and administers a statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP),” the agency said. “SNAP’s goal is to proactively respond to alligator threats in developed areas while protecting alligators in areas where they occur naturally.”
The FWC also reminded Florida residents and tourists to keep a safe distance from alligators, keep pets on a leash, and swim only in designated areas.
They also warned citizens not to feed wild alligators seen in Florida swamps.
“When alligators are fed, they can lose their natural caution and instead learn to associate humans with food availability,” the FWC said. “This can create dangerous situations for yourself and other people who may encounter the alligator in the future.”
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