Alligator to be euthanized after attacking man near pond in Sanibel

SANIBEL, Fla. — A man is in a hospital after an alligator bit him Thursday morning on Sanibel Island, and according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the gator will be euthanized.

The attack happened in the 2400 block of Periwinkle Way about 11 a.m. First responders were able to get the gator out of the pond a few hours later.

After the gator was captured, FWC's gator trappers gave WFTX a closer look at the gator that bit a man's arm.

"He's a big guy. He said his arm was hurting pretty good," Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Division Chief Tim Barrett said. "But he's a pretty tough old boy. Lost a lot of blood, but he's fine."

Barrett explained that the worker, who is from Arkansas, was washing his hands in the pond when he was attacked by a pretty good size gator" that "grabbed him by the arm."

"It was bit of a struggle," Barrett said.

The man was able to pull himself free, but he did lose a lot of blood.

About three hours after the attack, first responders were able to get the gator out of the pond. Barrett explained that capturing the gator was kind of like fishing.

"Sometimes they will use a big hook and a large piece of meat and throw it out there and catch him," Barrett said.

Gators are common in Florida and Barrett said they respond to these types of calls regularly. So he wants everyone to remember to be cautious.

"Pretty much every body of water has an alligator in it, including some swimming pools," Barrett said.

At last check, the victim was in the hospital but expected to be OK.