After Alligator Attacks Snorkeler, FL Closes Popular Springs

FLORIDA — Ocala National Forest springs, which is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and tubers, is closed to visitors after an alligator bit a snorkeler.

According to a news release, the Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest will remain closed until further notice after an "aggressive alligator" attacked a snorkeler.

According to the National Forests in Florida, park rangers contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission around 12:30 p.m. Monday after a man snorkeling in the springs’ designated swim area was bitten by an adult alligator estimated to be 7.5 feet in length.

The U.S. Forest Service said the snorkeler suffered puncture wounds and lacerations. Adventure Ocala, the company permitted by the USFS to operate Alexander Springs, responded quickly, rendering aid to the victim and clearing all visitors from the swim area. The injured man drove himself to the hospital to receive further medical care.

The NFF contacted wildlife trapper Joseph Vela to catch and remove the gator.

The springs will reopen following an investigation by the FWC and a determination that the springs are safe for swimming, said the NFF.

"Temporary closures of recreation areas become necessary for various public safety reasons, including aggressive wildlife encounters, prescribed burns and destructive weather," said Nikki Maxwell, public affairs officer for the NFF. "Alexander Springs was briefly closed earlier this month for the removal of a different alligator, however, no prior alligator incidents this year (in the Ocala National Forest) involved any injuries to the public. The USFS and FWC will continue to monitor conditions and remove alligators as necessary."

Vela also responded to the first incident earlier this month and said he was disappointed by the FWC's response.

Shortly after capturing and killing the gator on Monday, Vela said FWC officers arrived and took possession of the dead gator, telling Vela they were going to "dispose of it" by tossing it into a nearby lake.

"I'm really disappointed in our local game commission’s decision to waste a perfectly good animal because of a policy that they didn’t even actually follow," Vela said. "They are only supposed to take possession if a limb is taken or a death occurs. It’s sad enough I had to euthanize her because humans invaded her space, but for her to just get tossed out like trash ... I can’t stand the idea."

Vela was also called to remove the other gator from the springs just four days earlier. He said it was a female trying to protect her eggs.

"Alligator nesting season is here and it runs into the fall," Vela said. "These mamas will do nothing but get more defensive as incubation progresses. Fortunately, there’s a solution to keep conflicts to a minimum … respect their space, and they will return the favor. If you find yourself wondering 'Are there gators here?,' just assume there are and proceed accordingly."

Vela and fellow trapper Evan Robertson also removed a massive gator from the Wekiva River in the Seminole State Park over the weekend.

"Please be cautious when allowing your pets in or near the water," Vela said. "They don’t know the dangers, and the gators don’t know the difference between your pup and a natural prey item. That being said, no matter how much I'd like to coexist, when one of these guys invites man’s best friend over for dinner, I get highly motivated to return the favor and tonight this guy got his invitation."

Florida's forests aren't the only areas being invaded by alligators during mating season.

Last week, Pinellas County sheriff's deputies were called to Seminole to remove a juvenile gator who from beneath a parked car.

Deputy Dinah Doherty and Deputy Brandon Smith arrived after a resident reported hearing an "odd noise" coming from underneath the car. The resident took one look beneath the car and scrammed, calling 911.

Doherty and Smith removed and relocated the gator.

"Alligators are everywhere in Florida and it’s not uncommon to find one in your yard, pool or driveway as they travel from one lake to another," said sheriff's office public information office Cpl. Dave Brenn. "If this happens to you, don’t try to catch, harass or shoo the gator away. Even a gator minding its own business can bite if you bother it. Most of the time, the gator will leave on its own. But if there’s a safety issue to a human — or the gator — call PCSO. We can evaluate the situation, relocate a small alligator or contact the FWC for a large or nuisance gator."