A bike tour that ends almost fatally: A man was attacked by an alligator in the US state of Florida after falling off his bike. The cyclist was in the Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart and lost control of his bike, the police said.
He fell into a body of water – and was attacked by the alligator there. The animal injured him badly, but the man managed to break free. Eventually he was rescued by passers-by and taken to the hospital in a helicopter.
Victim fell on alligator
The man had clung to roots about one and a half meters deep, said a witness to the WPTV broadcaster. When he escaped from the water, he tied the wound with a dog leash.
The man was an experienced cyclist, quoted the broadcaster. But he probably had problems with his tire in a corner and landed directly on the alligator. Alligators are particularly aggressive at this time of the year. «People hike and walk and you are in nature. Especially at this time of year you just have to be aware of what is around you. ”
Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare, however, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, many people would live by the water and be increasingly active in the water. “This can lead to more frequent interactions between alligators and humans and to a greater potential for conflict.” (SDA / euc)