MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A 27-year-old woman is recovering after being bitten by an alligator during a weekend outing on the South Fork River, near SW Linden Street.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the incident occurred while the woman, her boyfriend, and their dog were wading in waist-deep water. Without warning, an alligator bit the woman on her hand and wrist, momentarily pulling her underwater before releasing her.
Her boyfriend acted quickly, transporting her by boat to the Charlie Leighton Park boat ramp, where Martin County Fire Rescue was standing by. The victim was then airlifted to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center as a precaution. Fortunately, her boyfriend and their dog were uninjured.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to the scene and are currently awaiting a trapper to locate and remove the alligator involved in the attack.
MCSO’s road and marine units assisted in the rescue operation, ensuring rapid coordination between first responders and wildlife authorities.
Officials remind the public to remain cautious and aware when entering natural Florida waterways, especially during warm months when alligators are more active.
The woman is expected to recover, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.