An 11-year-old boy from Pennsylvania is recovering after an alligator attack during a family fishing trip in Florida led to the loss of his right hand, according to his family and wildlife officials.
The boy, identified in a GoFundMe as Brodie, was fishing while on vacation in Florida when the attack happened at Nelson’s Fish Camp near Umatilla, Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told WESH that the boy was fishing from the shore with his father when an 8-foot-7-inch alligator bit him on the hand.
Brodie. (Courtesy of GoFundMe.com/SupportBrodie’s Recovery After Alligator Attack.)
FWC said the child was taken to a hospital for treatment after the attack. The agency also said the alligator was killed after the incident.
A GoFundMe organized by Leeann Wright said Brodie lost his right hand in the attack and is facing a long recovery as he adjusts to the life-changing injury. The fundraiser said donations will help cover recovery care, adaptive resources, medical bills and travel expenses for the family.
“Brodie’s passion for fishing, baseball and football have always brought him joy,” Wright said.
Brodie. (Courtesy of GoFundMe.com/SupportBrodie’s Recovery After Alligator Attack.)
The attack was one of several recent alligator incidents reported in Central Florida. WESH reported that a snorkeler was bitten by an 8-foot-3-inch alligator in the Rainbow River near Dunnellon the week before the Umatilla attack. A woman was killed by an alligator while swimming in the Little Big Econ River in Seminole County hours after the incident at Nelson’s Fish Camp.
FWC officials say serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, but the agency urges residents and visitors to use caution around fresh or brackish water. The agency advises people to keep a safe distance from alligators, never feed them and swim only in designated areas during daylight hours, as alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
Anyone concerned about an alligator that may pose a threat to people, pets or property can contact FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.