Homeless Man Loses Arm in Rare Florida Gator Attack at Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe, FL - A homeless man lost his arm during a gator attack while swimming in a Florida lake early Sunday morning.

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to the scene shortly before 2 a.m.

According to FWC spokesperson Lauren Claerbout, the severity of Sunday's attack left the victim with a complete arm amputation below the elbow.

While alligator attacks are uncommon, Claerbout emphasized that these incidents can be prevented.

"Alligators are naturally cautious around humans," Claerbout told WESH News. "Mistaken identity is often a factor in gator bites. When fed by people, they lose their natural wariness and associate humans with food."

Despite the abundance of gators in Florida, residents near Lake Monroe reported seeing them without problems.

To ensure safety, FWC advises swimming only in designated areas and during daylight hours, as gators become more active at night.

In the event of an attack, Claerbout recommends fighting back, telling WESH News "Target the eyes. They're a sensitive area and may cause the gator to release its bite."

Claerbout encouraged Florida residents with gator concerns to contact FWC at 866-FWC-GATOR.