A 9-foot alligator attacked a woman in Florida while she was snorkeling, biting her face
Warning: Some of the photos do show blood on the woman’s forehead, which may be disturbing to some.
Close Encounter: 9-Foot Alligator Bites Florida Woman During Snorkeling Adventure
In a shocking incident that left her stunned and grateful to be alive, a Florida woman had a close encounter with a 9-foot alligator while snorkeling with a friend at the picturesque Alexander Springs Recreation Area over the weekend. Marissa Carr’s harrowing ordeal began when the alligator attacked her, biting her forehead as they enjoyed a day out near Ocala, as she recounted to FOX 35 News. To add to the incredible twist of fate, a nearby photographer happened to capture the immediate aftermath of the attack, including a photograph that chillingly reveals the alligator lurking behind the unsuspecting swimmers.
Marissa Carr, still processing the traumatic incident, couldn’t believe her own story when she narrated it to FOX 35 on a Friday. “I ripped the mask off, and I turned to see the two little eyes sticking out of the water,” she recalled. The 9-foot alligator, she said, appeared seemingly out of nowhere, shattering the tranquility of their snorkeling adventure.
Her friend, Shane, who was with her during the ordeal, provided a chilling account of the sudden attack. “I just heard a rush of water, and I turned around to make sure she was okay. And I just saw the gator,” he said with a shudder. “I saw her head in its mouth.”
What makes the incident even more shocking is that it all unfolded within a matter of seconds, leaving Marissa bewildered. The adrenaline must have masked the pain because, as she put it, “It didn’t hurt bad in the moment. And then like, as I was running back and like, I saw what it was, that’s when it started hurting. My forehead hurts really bad, and my neck is in so much pain.”
In the wake of the horrifying attack, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the bite report to FOX 35. Thanks to their swift response, a trapper was able to locate the nuisance alligator and remove it. Remarkably, this isn’t the only alligator incident to send shockwaves through the area recently. Just a week earlier, on November 1, a 79-year-old man had his own unnerving encounter with an alligator while snorkeling. Though the alligator didn’t bite him, the man did suffer a non-life-threatening injury. The exact nature of his injuries wasn’t elaborated upon by the FWC. In response to these incidents, Alexander Springs briefly closed, but it has since reopened, albeit with a heightened sense of vigilance.
Marissa Carr owes her survival to a piece of snorkeling gear that turned out to be her unlikely savior. She had opted to wear a full-face snorkel mask, rather than just regular swimming goggles, and she believes this choice may have prevented her from sustaining more serious injuries. She explained, “Sounds bad, but it biting my head is probably the best place that it could have been because like, if it would have got my arm, it would have got a better grip on my arm, and I could have lost my arm or even my life in general. So like, I think the head he didn’t get a good grip of it. So I think I’m genuinely just really, really lucky.”
Incredibly, Marissa harbors no ill feelings toward the alligator and isn’t letting this harrowing encounter deter her from pursuing her passion for snorkeling in the future. Her resilience and ability to find silver linings in a terrifying incident are truly commendable.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued several important tips for people dealing with alligators in the state, which should be kept in mind by anyone venturing into areas known to be inhabited by these reptiles. Firstly, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance if you spot an alligator. Feeding alligators is an absolute no-go, as it can lead to them associating humans with food, which is a dangerous outcome for both parties.
For pet owners, keeping your furry friends on a leash and away from the water’s edge is a wise precaution. Alligators can see pets as potential prey, making them particularly vulnerable near bodies of water.
When swimming in Florida’s beautiful natural spots, such as Alexander Springs, it’s advised to stick to designated swimming areas during daylight hours, and it’s safer not to bring your pets with you for a dip. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring the safety of both humans and the local alligator population.
If you ever find yourself concerned about the presence of an alligator in your vicinity, you can contact the FWC’s nuisance alligator hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR, or 866-392-4286, where experts are ready to assist and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
While Marissa Carr’s terrifying encounter with an alligator serves as a vivid reminder of the potential dangers lurking in Florida’s picturesque natural settings, her bravery and determination to continue her snorkeling adventures are an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Alexander Springs Recreation Area may have been temporarily shaken by this incident, but its beauty and allure remain, beckoning nature enthusiasts to explore its depths with a renewed sense of caution and appreciation for the unique ecosystem that calls this stunning location home.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
