Alligator Attacks 85-Year-Old Man In Florida

LAKELAND, FL — An 85-year-old man was attacked by an alligator on a Florida golf course on Monday. The attack occurred in the Tampa Bay Area, according to state wildlife officials.

"An 85-year old man was bitten on the foot by an alligator located in a pond at Big Cypress Golf and Country Club in Lakeland," Rob Klepper of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told Patch. The golf course is located at 10000 U.S. Hwy 98 N at the Cypress Lakes retirement community. Lakeland is a city in Polk County.

Klepper said a permit has been issued to a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to remove the alligator.

"This incident is currently being investigated," added Klepper. "At this time, we have no further details."

The Associated Press later released video of the alligator being removed from the Lakeland pond.

While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, 47-year-old Shizuka Matsuki of Plantation, Florida was killed in an alligator attack in June. Matsuki was dragged to her death by a 12-foot, 6-inch alligator in South Florida.

To report issues involving Florida alligators, call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR 866-392-4286.

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