Man in Seminole County Suffers Arm Amputation in Vicious Gator Attack

Early Sunday morning, a man swimming in Lake Monroe in Seminole County fell victim to a vicious alligator attack, resulting in the amputation of his arm from the elbow down. The man, identified as homeless, was attacked during the gators’ prime feeding time, which typically occurs between dusk and dawn. Alligator expert Brandon Fisher stated that gators are particularly active during their breeding season and seek relief from the heat, making them more aggressive.

Expert Advice on Avoiding Alligator Encounters

Fisher emphasized the importance of avoiding swimming in bodies of water during dark hours and in undesignated areas, as Florida is estimated to be home to over 1.5 million alligators, making encounters highly likely. In the event of an encounter, Fisher advised individuals to stand up in the water to appear larger and to run. If attacked, Fisher stressed the importance of fighting back vigorously before the alligator can initiate its "death roll," a maneuver used to overpower prey. He highlighted the sensitivity of the alligator's tail and head as key areas to target during a defensive struggle.

Warning Against Feeding Alligators

Fisher also issued a warning against feeding alligators, as it creates an association between humans and food, potentially leading to aggressive behavior. This caution was prompted by the recent incident in Seminole County.