MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Swimming at Rainbow Springs State Park has reopened following a recent closure after a snorkeler was bitten by an alligator, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The snorkeler was swimming in the three-mile-long Rainbow River when the bite happened. Officials have not released where the man was bitten or how severe the bite was. The man has been released from the hospital.
The park closed the swimming area while the gator was located.
Deputies said they assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in locating the alligator involved. A trapper removed the alligator from the area, authorities said. The animal measured eight feet in length.
Signs around the park make it plain that there are gators in the area and they can attack. One sign says, “Alligators are dangerous and approaching them, frightening them or feeding them is unlawful.”
However, FWC says serious injuries from alligators are rare. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.