Gator Attack Closes Alexander Springs

    In response to an aggressive alligator incident on Monday, National Forests in Florida (NFF) has temporarily closed the Alexander Springs swim area, effective immediately. The 7½ foot-long alligator believed to be involved in the incident was removed Monday afternoon and the swim area was expected to reopen in the near future. according to Forest Service representatives.
   At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday, the Forest Service was notified of an incident involving an adult male visitor and an aggressive alligator at the Alexander Springs Recreation Area on the Ocala National Forest. The man was snorkeling within the springs’ designated swim area, and reported being bitten by an adult alligator.
   The victim suffered puncture wounds and lacerations. Adventure Ocala, the concessioner permitted by the USFS to operate Alexander Springs, responded, rendering aid to the victim, clearing all guests from the swim area, and closing it for public safety. The victim chose to transport himself to seek medical care.
   The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) managed the removal of the aggressive alligator shortly after being notified and is investigating the incident. The USFS was expected to reopen the Alexander Springs swim area once FWC completed its investigation of the area and recommend next steps for public safety. On Tuesday, officials were comparing bite marks to confirm the correct alligator had been removed before reopening the area, which remain closed at press deadline on Tuesday.
   “The emergency response by the concessioner staff was exemplary,” said Carrie Sekerak, District Ranger for the Ocala National Forest. “Attending to the victim, securing the site for public safety, and executing their communication plan to get all external parties rapidly involved and informed. FWC’s response was instantaneous and the trapper was immediately dispatched. Outdoor activities in natural places come with inherent risks no matter how safe you try to be, so acknowledging and mitigating those risks is a major emphasis for us as a public land agency. The preparation for risk management requires a high level of knowledge, planning, training, and performance by the concessioner, FWC, law enforcement, and USFS as an essential part of averting potential tragedies. I am very pleased and confident in our partners experienced handling of the incident.”
   Temporary closures of recreation areas become necessary for various public safety reasons, including aggressive wildlife encounters, prescribed burns and destructive weather. Alexander Springs was closed for four days last week for the removal of a different alligator, however, no prior alligator incidents this year (on ONF) involved any injuries to the public. The USFS and FWC will continue to monitor conditions and remove alligators as necessary.
   For more about National Forests in Florida, visit National Forests in Florida - Home (usda.gov), and www.adventureocala.com and follow www.Facebook.com/NationalForestsinFlorida.