The alligator attack marks the third in recent weeks in Florida.<\/p>\n
Published Jul 8, 2026 3:42 PM EDT\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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Updated Jul 8, 2026 3:42 PM EDT\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\tA large alligator surprised a Miami neighborhood on Dec. 26 when it wandered through a front yard, prompting a response from wildlife officials after one resident quipped it might be looking for holiday leftovers.\n\t<\/p>\n
\n\tAn 11-year-old boy from Pennsylvania<\/a> 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.\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe boy, identified in a GoFundMe<\/a> as Brodie, was fishing while on vacation in Florida when the attack happened at Nelson\u2019s Fish Camp near Umatilla, Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told WESH<\/a> that the boy was fishing from the shore with his father when an 8-foot-7-inch alligator bit him on the hand.\n<\/p>\n \n\tBrodie. (Courtesy of GoFundMe.com\/SupportBrodie\u2019s Recovery After Alligator Attack.)\n<\/p>\n \n\tFWC said the child was taken to a hospital for treatment after the attack. The agency also said the alligator was killed after the incident.\n<\/p>\n \n\tA 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.\n<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cBrodie\u2019s passion for fishing, baseball and football have always brought him joy,\u201d Wright said.\n<\/p>\n \n\tBrodie. (Courtesy of GoFundMe.com\/SupportBrodie\u2019s Recovery After Alligator Attack.)\n<\/p>\n \n\tThe 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<\/a> while swimming in the Little Big Econ River in Seminole County hours after the incident at Nelson\u2019s Fish Camp.\n<\/p>\n \n\tFWC 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.\n<\/p>\n \n\tAnyone concerned about an alligator that may pose a threat to people, pets or property can contact FWC\u2019s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.\n<\/p>\n