The Alexander Springs swim area located in the Ocala National Forest has temporarily closed due to an alligator attack.
On Monday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the U.S. Forest Service was notified of an incident involving an adult male visitor and an aggressive alligator at the Alexander Springs Recreation Area (49525 County Road 445 in Altoona) in the Ocala National Forest. According to USFS, the man was snorkeling within the springs’ designated swim area when he was bitten by an adult alligator.
During the attack, the victim suffered puncture wounds and lacerations. Adventure Ocala, the concessioner permitted by USFS to operate Alexander Springs, responded quickly and rendered aid to the victim. All guests were cleared from the swim area and it was closed for public safety.
According to USFS, the victim chose to transport himself to a local medical facility for treatment of his injuries.
Shortly after being notified, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) arrived on scene and managed to remove the aggressive alligator, which measured nearly 8 feet in length. According to USFS, the Alexander Springs swim area will reopen once FWC completes their investigation into the attack.
Temporary closures of recreation areas become necessary for various public safety reasons, including aggressive wildlife encounters, prescribed burns, and destructive weather. Earlier this month, Alexander Springs was briefly closed for the removal of a different alligator, though none of this year’s prior alligator incidents in the Ocala National Forest involved any injuries to the public.
The month of July is alligator nesting season in Florida, and alligator mothers are highly alert and protective of their eggs and young. During this hot season, all reptiles have an increased appetite and are more active. USFS encourages everyone to use caution when in and around water, including on the shoreline.
For more information, visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website or Facebook page.