Woman bitten by alligator while swimming in Florida’s Silver River

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was bitten by an alligator while swimming in the Silver River in Marion County on Aug. 8, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

FWC says the adult female was in the water when an alligator bit her on the arm. Good Samaritans pulled her from the river and brought her to shore. She was then transported to a hospital for treatment.

FWC officers and a contracted Nuisance Alligator Trapper responded to the scene. On Aug. 9, they located and trapped a 9-foot, 8-inch alligator. The Silver River reopened that same afternoon.

What Happened at Silver Springs State Park

The Silver River was closed while FWC and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department worked to trap the alligator. Silver Springs State Park remained open during the closure, and the Ocklawaha River was also open for visitors.

The park, located at 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd in Silver Springs, is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to sunset, including holidays. It is known for its Glass Bottom Boat tours, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, camping, hiking, dining, and the Silver River Museum and Pioneer Village.

Visitors with questions can contact the park at 352-261-5840 or SilverSpringsInfo@capeleisurecorp.com.

What to Do If You See a Threatening Alligator

FWC says serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. The agency administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, known as SNAP, to address complaints about alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property.

Anyone concerned about an alligator can call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). FWC says it will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.