", Contact Valli Finney at vallimfinney@yahoo.com, PHOTOS: County Commissioners square off at forum, Collier commission candidates clash over fracking. The 9-foot-8-inch male alligator responsible for the attack was caught and destroyed. The victim told Abo that he was trying to keep the alligator from pulling him into the water, and that if the nearly 10-foot animal rolled, a technique alligators use to harm prey, he would roll with it. Obviously, theres more people moving onto the island, he said. Newsroom: (305) 795-2777. They are often spotted on Sanibel (though rarely on Captiva) which is a wonderful habitat for them as much as it is a great vacation spot for us, They are a protected species and given the percentage of conservation land on the island are a common sight that is to. She had toxic levels of alcohol and an anti-depression drug in her body, and authorities believed she was attacked on land and dragged into the canal. An alligator attacked and dragged 2-year-old Lane Graves from the water's edge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. United States - sad news of an Alligator attack on Sanibel - A woman who had worked on Sanibel for many years was attacked by an alligator while working. nature trails to explore and a huge wildlife refuge. His leg was severed. They are native to Mexico, China, and the United States. Early reports that the gator was about 4-feet-long proved wrong once trappers captured the critter. Trappers later killed 10 alligators in the Dead River, including one they decided was responsible. Donna Yetsko recalled seeing the gator that attacked Melsek at least twice a week. Recently, an alligator in a pond on Sanibel Island attacked a man who was washing his hands in the water. According to the City of Sanibel, the Sanibel Police Department received a 911 call just after 11 a.m. about an adult man who an alligator had bitten in a pond adjacent to Baileys General [], Sanibel took a beating during Ian, and many people think it will be years before the island will ever be close to what it once was. They outlasted dinosaurs! Sanibel Fire said people at the scene were able to make a tourniquet for the man before medics arrived. Twenty-five of those attacks were fatal, including two in Lee County both on Sanibel Island in 2001 and 2004. When fed, alligators lose their natural fear and learn to associate people with food. Among the fascinating animals and birds to observe is the mighty Alligator. Alligators, if they have been left alone, will generally not attack you. Abo has treated several alligator bites over the years, and commented on dangers of human-alligator run-ins. A woman who had worked on Sanibel for many years was attacked by an alligator while working. Fifth, alligators can be lighting fast when they see you are in striking distance, 15 feet or less from them and the water. Switchboard: (305) 751-6692 High temperatures will climb into the 80s and low 90s under mostly sunny skies. Come see htem for yourself and book your next Sanibel Holiday vacation. Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. Feeding alligators is a criminal act, punishable with up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. If you see an alligator, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Then vote no on solar amendment, Ray McNulty: Jim Kaat tells different side to Greg Norman's battle with Medalist Golf Club. The man was able to free himself and call 911, but sustained serious injury to his right forearm, according to a release by the city of Sanibel. We can tell you how to appreciate these mighty creatures safely, respectfully, and responsibly. A womans service dog had a near death experience when an alligator lunged for it off the Sanibel Causeway recently. "Actually the trappers were in there for a long time with hooks and we (law enforcement officials) were all standing there looking for the alligator," Adams said. But some may take the signs to heart in such a way that inhibits their enjoyment of the island. Please do your part in protecting the Island's wildlife by not feeding alligators. A word to the wise should be sufficient. The alligator, found . Small, tropical, inviting, it is easy to feel that there is not a worry in the world while vacationing on Sanibel. Jeannie Pitts was throwing the frisbee with her dog, Honey, when a gator. The tourniquet was lifesaving. Michelle Braun 13 subscribers Subscribe 625 views 1 year ago After a fun day at the beach, many of us were relaxing under our umbrellas; taking in the. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, First Woman Miami-Dade Transit Bus Operator Wins Roadeo in Competition's 40-Year History, From Haiti Through Liberty City to Top Federal Prosecutor in South Florida: the Unlikely Story of Markenzy Lapointe. The man is taking antibiotics and needs to clean his wounds thoroughly and often. Third, during winter months, alligators are lethargic and pretty much just lay around. They were able to lure the animal in to range with meat, and eventually subdued it. Also, understand that if youre near a nest, theyre going to be protective.. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. The skin was very torn up on his arm. Guide to Sanibel Restaurants Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where alligators are often sighted, according to the Sanibel Captiva Guide. Officials said the man was able to free himself and call 911. is 6,400 Acres of preserved and undeveloped mangrove ecosystem land. Sept. 11, 2001:82-year-old Robert Steele had his leg severed and bled to death when he was attacked by a 10-foot alligator while walking his dog by a canal on Sanibel Island. Mayor Marty Harrity met Friday with directors of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. They are a protected species and given the percentage of conservation land on the island are a common sight that is to be celebrated. Experts trapped the cold blooded animal with meat and lassoed it. They are native to Mexico, China, and the United States. I am linking the report. Allison Christian faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, according to an arrest report. But its now something Pitts says she is wary of and wants others to be aware of too. It was a bit of a struggle, Chief Barett said. Florida Fish and Wildlife and a Florida State trapper arrived on the scene to capture the alligator, according to the City of Sanibel. "But the gators are out here. SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. -- Janie Melseks death Friday morning had many people on Sanibel talking about the same thing alligators. If you encounter a nuisance alligator or see someone feeding an alligator, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (239) 472-3111. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The gator reached up and grabbed his arm, Abo said. Latest News Updates for Sanibel Island & SWFL. Name, age, sex Date . So let's set the record straight about these prehistoric looking creatures. A nearby alligator behaved aggressively toward the divers, and was trapped and euthanized. Inform others that feeding alligators is illegal and creates problems for others who want to use the water for recreational purposes and ultimately results in the need to destroy the animal. Jane C. Keefer, 74, of Sanibel, was attacked April 21 by a gator in the yard of her Blue Heron Drive home. Sadly, there was a time they almost became extinct. The cause of death was listed as systemic inflammatory response syndrome.. 1 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 2 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 3 Georgia Department of Natural Resources 4 South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 5 University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Wildlife Damage Management 6 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department . Once endangered, alligators now number more than 1 million, state officials believe. The man was washing his hands in a pond in Sanibel, Florida, at around 11 a.m. on Thursday when the alligator bit him, the city said in a statement. Students, staff, family, and friends came together on Friday for the annual unified basketball game at Fort Myers High School. Many attacks occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water. Sanibel contains over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands that provide habitat for a sizable population of alligators. It is during these times that alligator sightings are most prevalent. Alligator on the beach - Sanibel Island! Nov. 23, 2015: Brevard County deputies determined that Matthew Riggins, 22, was killed by an alligator in a Barefoot Bay lake while possibly hiding to avoid law enforcement. FWCs gator trappers gave us a close up of the gator after it was captured. Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at freshwater boat ramps, docks or fish camps. We can tell you how to appreciate these mighty creatures, Alligators on Sanibel are very interesting creatures that have been roaming the earth since prehistoric times. Sometimes they will use a big hook, and a large piece of meat and throw it out there and catch him, Chief Barrett said. Dog gets away safe after alligator lunges for it off Sanibel Causeway, Winds stoke brush fires and prompt evacuations across Southwest Florida, Fort Myers High School hosts annual unified basketball game, Public adjuster answers your hurricane-related property insurance questions, Long-term repairs to the Sanibel Causeway after Hurricane Ian, Alligator captured after seriously injuring man near pond in Sanibel, Working to get Sanibel beaches and businesses open after Ian, Dog found in Orlando reunited with Texas family 7 years after it ran away, What the number of winter shorebirds means for Florida, How bloodless open heart surgeries are performed, North Naples woman arrested after dog dies trapped in vehicle, After Hurricane Ian, Lee County reopening beach parks with free parking. Denial is not just a river in Egypt this can happen and does happen. A trapper killed the alligator suspected in the attack. Pitts grabbed her smaller dog, and Honey was able to run away from the gator unscathed. These feared but fascinating creatures are common on the island. If fishing, throw fish scraps away into trash cans, not the water. Please keep the following tips in mind to ensure the time you spend on Sanibel does not result in a conflict with an alligator: Feeding alligators is a criminal act, punishable with up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. She later died of the wounds. Its the sunshine state! (3.7 m) alligator while working on landscaping along Poinciana Circle Sanibel, Florida. Alligator attacks man who was washing hands in pond - Sun Sentinel The man was able to free himself and call 911, but sustained serious injury to his right forearm. If you encounter a nuisance alligator or see someone feeding an alligator, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (239) 472-3111. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Attached to the Shipley Trail and close to the Bailey Homestead. It never was a problem.. She fought back and survived after being treated at a hospital. Trappers later caught and killed an 8-1/2-foot alligator that had some of her body parts in its belly. Oct. 19, 2015: The body of 62-year-old James Okkerse was found floating in Blue Springs State Park in central Florida with injuries consistent with an alligator attack. Four of those deaths involve a child under age 5. It is also illegal. According to officers, the man was washing his hands in the pond when the alligator attacked.. Sanibel Island is an incredible place to experience nature. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel). The 2-year-old Nebraska boy snatched by an alligator at a lake. She heard a loud splash and when she turned around her son was gone. According to the press release, the man suffered a serious injury to his right forearm. High humidity will make our afternoon feels like temperatures reach the 90s in many spots. That will require a bit (a lot) of a detour from going directly to Sanibel Island, as the spot to (maybe!) The City of Sanibel has established procedures for receiving alligator and crocodile complainants and handling nuisance alligators or crocodiles. Sanibel officials plan to meet Tuesday, Aug. 3, to discuss city policies on gators, which Councilman Steve Brown says may be too liberal. FWC. Crews said the victim was washing is hands in a pond. I can say that gentleman was sitting there with a temporary tourniquet, which is one of the things that saved his life from hemorrhaging, said Dr. Benjamin Abo. . One of the best places to see crocodiles in Florida is also Everglades National Park!. Visit Gatorbites Website. Dogs are more susceptible to being attacked than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators. Sanibel Island is an incredible place to experience nature. Stay 50 feet away from an Alligator, though they may seem lethargic, they can move fast and run up to 35 mph especially during the warmer summer months. By the beginning of April, when the weather starts to warm, alligators become active, feeding more, looking for new territories and mating. Sanibel has a special permit from the state allowing it to move gators under 8 feet long that get in the way of humans as long as theyre not acting aggressively. In April 2004, a 74-year-old woman was grabbed by the leg and pulled underwater by a 9-foot, 7-inch gator. The victim fell into a pond in a gated community in Hilton Head Island, . U.S. news An 88-year-old woman was killed in a suspected alligator attack at a gated community near Hilton Head, S.C. "It was guarding her and did not want people close by," a law enforcement. Pond Apple Trail 1159 Causeway Road. That gator was killed and another 6-foot gator was removed. Fourth, most deaths by alligators are not from blood loss or even from drowning. So he wants everyone to remember to be cautious. If you would like to watch t. There are several places to spot Alligators on Sanibel and, they are most active in the warmer months. First, alligators are opportunistic eaters. Ironically, Olin lives on the same street as Sanibel's only other fatal gator attack victim. The gator weighed 100 pounds, but its sex was not immediately determined. Animals in the region were disrupted by Hurricane Ian in September, and may have found new homes in unexpected places. One of the biggest issues people are dealing with when it comes to insurance after Hurricane Ian is property damage. Olin was taken to HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers for appropriate treatment, to include antibiotics to ward off any infection. Firefighters are battling several brush fires in Charlotte County; the one off McCall Road threatens several buildings, including a church. It was evident that hed lost a lot of blood and potentially had other damage to his tendons, Abo said. Many people were calling for city officials to do something about the reptiles that have attacked three people on Sanibel since September 2001, killing two of them. The. SANIBEL, Fla. (WSVN) Rescue teams saved a man's life after a harrowing alligator attack in Sanibel. He did a decent job because he made it very tight but also very wide.. The public may view the reports by going to WSVN.com and clicking on "FCC Public File", or by visiting the FCC's website at FCC.org. They are often spotted on Sanibel (though rarely on Captiva) which is a wonderful habitat for them as much as it is a great vacation + Read More Here The Truth About Alligators on Sanibel Island May 14, 2006: Near Lake George in the Ocala National Forest, the body of 23-year-old Annemarie Campbell was found sticking out of an alligator's mouth by her friends, who beat the reptile until it released her. There are numerous nature trails to explore and a huge wildlife refuge. Murray said he doesn't recall any other Sanibel gator attacks on humans recently. The Truth About Alligators on Sanibel Island, The Best Sanibel Stories Come from Guests. Howsmon, 54, said the gator population needs to be thinned. Remember they are an important part of Sanibels natural history as well as an integral component of our freshwater ecosystem. Bryan Griffin was pulled under after friends repeatedly warned him to get out of the water. Never feed Alligators, this will cause them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate humans with food. When the weather starts to warm, alligators become active, feeding more, looking for new territories and mating. As the gator tried to drag Melsek into the same small pond it came out of, she told rescuers to cut her arm off to help her get free. Contrary to popular belief, they have good eyesight and, their blind spot is in front of their nose. Chief Barrett explained that capturing the gator was like fishing. Expect sustained winds between ten to twenty miles per hour, with wind gusts as strong as thirty []. He wouldnt speculate on what, if anything, the council may do. An alligator in a pond on Sanibel Island attacked a man who was washing his hands in the water. The alligator,. It is during these times that alligator sightings are most prevalent. Wetmore suffered from dementia and was believed to have wandered away from his home. Florida is one of their favorite habitats, of course! The alligator, found with the missing leg in his mouth, was destroyed. 9 years ago Save Actually, Sanibel has a gator population estimated at about 300-350 gators, mostly due to the fact 65% of the island is protected conservation land and there are numerous small lakes and ponds for them to live in. State law prohibits killing, feeding, harassing or possession of alligators. The construction can be seen all around, along with cranes, tools, and the crews doing all the work. 1401 79th Street Causeway Officials were about ready to give up nearly two hours into the hunt for the gator. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service. The myth that they cant catch you if you run in a zig zag is not true. Though they are extremely territorial creatures, they do not like humans and will leave you alone if you leave them alone. Administrative Services/ Human Resources/ Benefits/ Pensions, Business Tax Receipts (formerly Occupational Licenses), Police including Emergency Management Forms, Register with AlertLee for Emergency Announcements, Register for Recreation Center Activities, City of Sanibel Demographics - April 27, 2021, Commercial Hurricane Re-Entry Application. The attack happened on the 2400 block of Periwinkle Way around 11:00 am. Therefore, swim only during daylight hours. "Pretty much every body of water has an alligator in it, including some swimming pools," Chief Barrett said. And we love our tourists. An alligator is seen during a kayak tour near Everglades City on Dec. 2. Copyright 2023 Waterman Broadcasting of Florida, LLC, Home News Local Man seriously injured after alligator attack on Sanibel. Recently, an alligator in a pond on Sanibel Island attacked a man who was washing his hands in the water. If you encounter a nuisance alligator or see someone feeding an alligator, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (239) 472-3111. SANIBEL, Fla. A man was hospitalized after an alligator bit him on the arm. May 4, 2001: The chewed body of 70-year-old Samuel Wetmore was found floating in a south Sarasota County retention pond with an 8-foot alligator circling nearby. A trapper later killed the alligator. The alligator dragged her into a pond, tearing at her right arm so severely that part of it was later amputated, and rescuers saved her from the reptile's jaws in what was described as a fierce "tug-of-war.". The body of Alexandria Murphy was found near the shoreline of Lake Cannon in Winter Haven an hour after her family reported her missing. []. June 18, 2003: A 12-year-old boy was fatally mauled by an alligator while swimming with friends at Palm Gardens Marina, about 35 miles northwest of Orlando. It was the state's first such fatal attack since 2007. The man was able to free. Its the orange cord wrapped around his arm. Lost a lot of blood, but hes fine.. They pretty much lay in wait in fresh or brackish waters or on the edges of same for prey to come close by. Lee County announced that several beach parksLynn Hall Memorial Park, San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve, Bonita Beach Park and Bonita Beach Accesses 1 to 10would reopen on Saturday. If you see anything and the gators appear to be nuisance, call the Sanibel police. Robert Steele, 82, was killed by a 10 foot, 9 inch-long gator Sept. 11, 2001, near his house on Rabbit Road in Sanibel on Sept. 11, 2001.