A homeless Florida man was attacked by an alligator while bathing in a pond near Port Charlotte. Frederic Iman, 68, was bitten multiple times and sustained injuries to his feet, legs and groin area, WINK News reports.
He walked to a nearby surgical center, according to authorities and immediately prompted the employees to call 911. Iman was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, Fla. His injuries are serious, but not life-threatening.
According to nearby residents of the pond, they have seen the gator, but it has never hurt or approached anyone in the neighborhood. WINK News quoted a resident, Ron Thielsen, as requesting a warning sign to be posted near the retention pond.
“I know that they’re in here,” stated Thielsen. “I look for them. When I first walked up here I make sure I looked around just to be on the safe side because it only takes one mistake and you’re in a world of hurt.”
The nine-foot alligator is in custody of animal control and will be euthanized in coming days.