Watch CBS News

Florida Teen Hospitalized After Alligator Attack

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A 14-year-old Florida boy who was attacked by an alligator is recovering in a Tampa hospital.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the Charlotte County teen was splashing along the edge of a lake when he was attacked. The gator bit him in the hand and leg.

His mother and dogs were just a few feet away.

"When you're near or in any body of water in Florida, including sometimes saltwater, there's a very good chance that alligators may be present, so you need to make sure that you are vigilant and keeping a 360° awareness of your surroundings," said FWC spokesman Adam Brown.

Trappers were called in and they removed the 9-foot-9-inch alligatotr. It was taken to a gator farm in Glades County, it's unclear if it will be euthanized.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.