Florida child hospitalized after alligator attack in Weeki Wachee Preserve

A child was hospitalized on Monday after being attacked by an alligator estimated to be between 9 and 12 feet long in the Weeki Wachee Preserve in Hernando County, Florida. The victim sustained deep bites to an arm and a leg but is reported to be out of life-threatening danger.

The incident occurred while the child was swimming in an area where access to the water is expressly prohibited by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. During the encounter, the victim's companions became stranded on a sandbar, necessitating a rescue operation by Hernando County Fire Rescue personnel to bring the group to safety.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the unauthorized water access. A licensed Florida trapper was dispatched to the site to set traps in an attempt to locate and capture the reptile. Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution near bodies of water and strictly adhere to local regulations.