ALLIGATOR ATTACK CLOSES ALEXANDER SPRINGS

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Alexander Springs in the Ocala National Forest is closed pending a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigation into an aggressive alligator attack on Monday, July 17, according to FWC.

A man was attacked by a 7- to 8-foot alligator early Monday afternoon while snorkeling in the spring’s designated swimming area. The man suffered lacerations and puncture wounds to his shoulder, arm and leg, according to FWC.

The man chose to transport himself to medical care after Adventure Ocala, which runs several parks with a permit from the United States Forest Service, administered initial medical care at the scene on Monday.

The springs were immediately cleared out and closed to the public after the attack and remained closed as of Wednesday.

The alligator was located and removed from the spring on Tuesday.

The springs will reopen when the FWC completes an investigation to assure the safety of visitors, according to Forest Service spokesperson Nikki Maxwell.

“We don’t have any news. It’s not going to be opening at this time, we don’t expect,” Maxwell said.

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