Homeless woman attacked by gator while swimming in Lake Hernando

Home » Homeless woman attacked by gator while swimming in Lake Hernando
Homeless woman attacked by gator while swimming in Lake Hernando

FWC officials say a homeless woman was swimming in Lake Hernando when a 5- to 6-foot alligator grabbed her by her left arm and dragged her underwater.

Officials say the woman was able to get away and called 911. She was treated at the Ocala Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, sources said.

FWC and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office are working to catch the gator, the CCSO said. Whoever catches it can keep the meat and the hide as part of the state wide nuisance alligator program, FWC said. Florida’s alligator hunting season started Aug. 15.

Officials say anyone who believes a specific alligator poses a threat to people, pets, or property they should call the toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR or 866-392-4286.

Hear the woman’s 911 call by clicking the play button below: