Stock photo of a crocodile.Photo:Getty
Getty
Florida authorities reported that a man was rushed to the hospital after an apparent crocodile attack in Everglades National Park over the weekend.
TheNational Park Service(NPS) in a news release said that around 4:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, park rangers responded to the Flamingo Marina following a report of a crocodile bite.
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A 68-year-old man capsized his sailboat in the marina basin and tried to swim to shore with the boat when he was seen “going under water,” according to the NPS.
The man was treated for a laceration in his leg, the NPS added.
“Rangers and park biologists are continuing to investigate the incident and monitor the suspected crocodile, which is easily identifiable,” read the NPS news release.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), theAmerican crocodileis a federally threatened species. It is different from the alligator through its “grayish green color,” “narrowly tapered snout” and a “fourth tooth on the lower jaw exposed when [its] mouth is closed.”
The FWC added thatconflicts between crocodiles and humans are very rarein Florida because of the crocodiles’ shy and reclusive nature. TheMiami Heraldreported that crocodile attacks on humans are also infrequent because crocodiles are found in isolated areas such as the southern Everglades.
To ensure that both humans and crocodiles safely coexist,the commission recommendsthat people swim only in posted swimming areas and during daylight hours. It also advises that people do not feed crocodiles.
In response to this particular incident in Everglades National Park, the NPS said in its statement: “While the park is a safe place to visit, we remind visitors to stay alert and exercise caution, especially around wildlife. Swimming or wading is prohibited in all canals, ponds, freshwater lakes, marked channels and boat basins in Everglades National Park.”
The NPS also said it is working with the FWC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess the situation.
source: people.com
