A man was flown to a local hospital Sunday after being bitten by an alligator while swimming in a pond.
According to police, at approximately 10:50 a.m., the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a report of a 39-year-old male bitten by an alligator while in the water in a large pond off Precision Drive in North Venice.
Venice Police and Venice Fire Rescue responded, and the man was flown by helicopter to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where he is being treated for injuries to the left leg.
FWC officers, as well as an FWC contracted nuisance alligator trapper, were dispatched to the scene.
This incident is under investigation by the FWC.
Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida.
FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property.
People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).