https://nbc-2.com/news/local/charlot...rlotte-county/
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – A man lost his arm in an alligator attack early Sunday near a pond behind Banditos Bar in Port Charlotte.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) states the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Charlotte County EMS personnel all responded to the scene.
Officials say the 23-year-old was airlifted as a trauma alert to Gulf Coast Medical Center with significant injuries.
David Lowe said while he was enjoying a relaxing Sunday at the bar, Florida Fish and Wildlife officers were hard at work.
“I wouldn’t want to mess with him,” said Lowe.
In a pond behind the bar, a battle broke out between trappers and the alligator.
Catchers have been working all morning wrangling the over 10-foot alligator. People at the bar say this isn’t the first time they’ve seen a gator around here.
Lowe said, “At least 20 years, the big one I know of if it’s the same one, he’s been there 20 years.”
Lowe said he’s even seen people feed alligators in this pond.
“There was a restaurant they just tore down, and I know people did feed that you know throw whatever they didn’t eat down on the water,” explained Lowe.
Elie Polanco says he’s seen it too.
“It’s Southwest Florida, you gotta be careful. It’s a part of life out here,” stated Polanco.
FWC says it’s illegal and dangerous to feed an alligator because when they’re fed, they can start to associate people with food.
Experts say you should also swim only in designated swimming areas during the day, plus you should keep your pets on a leash and away from the water.
If you see an alligator causing issues or in a place, it shouldn’t be, call FWC’s nuisance alligator hotline at 866-fwc-gator.
FWC is reminding you to always keep a safe distance if you see an alligator.
“Wherever there’s water, there’s gators,” stated Polanco.
“I just hope he recovers,” said Lowe.