Many attacks occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water. She survived the attack but died later of an infection caused by the bite. Although you are not intentionally feeding alligators when you do this, the end result can be the same. An alligator in a pond on Sanibel Island attacked a man who was washing his hands in the water. If you want to go there, you will want to go there before you really start driving to Sanibel Island. is 6,400 Acres of preserved and undeveloped mangrove ecosystem land. Robert Steele, 81 . 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. Pitts grabbed her smaller dog, and Honey was able to run away from the gator unscathed. Janie Melsek Photo: The News-Press. The singular exception may be the presence of alligators, and you will see signs warning about them posted throughout the Island. The primary factor in the evaluation is determining the potential danger posed by an alligator or crocodile. He did a decent job because he made it very tight but also very wide.. Fourth, most deaths by alligators are not from blood loss or even from drowning. Then vote no on solar amendment, Ray McNulty: Jim Kaat tells different side to Greg Norman's battle with Medalist Golf Club. The myth that they cant catch you if you run in a zig zag is not true. Animals in the region were disrupted by Hurricane Ian in September, and may have found new homes in unexpected places. 239-267-1317 She suffered a broken thumb and gashes on a leg. If you see an alligator, the best thing to do is leave it alone. 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. They pretty much lay in wait in fresh or brackish waters or on the edges of same for prey to come close by. Despite a pretty gnarly bite, hes going to be OK, and his arm is going to be saved, Abdo told WSVN. Sadly, there was a time they almost became extinct. Despite a pretty gnarly bite, hes going to be OK, and his arm is going to be saved, Abo said. Greenstein said hes not worried Sanibel which depends heavily on tourism could become known as a dangerous place because of gators. Jane C. Keefer, 74, of Sanibel, was attacked April 21 by a gator in the yard of her Blue Heron Drive home. It seems to have worked for years. She fought back and survived after being treated at a hospital. Never feed or entice alligators it is dangerous and illegal. "She got stitches in her right hand and was given appropriate medication and medical care," Adams said. They will not be wandering the streets and beaches looking for a bite to eat. Chief Barrett explained that capturing the gator was like fishing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The City of Sanibel and its authorized agents are authorized to receive and appropriately . 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. The Truth About Alligators on Sanibel Island, The Best Sanibel Stories Come from Guests. Feeding alligators is a criminal act, punishable with up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. J.N Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge There are often Alligator spottings on the Indigo trail/Wildlife drive, keep your eyes open for groups of people huddled around staring, this is usually a sign of a Gator spotting! But some may take the signs to heart in such a way that inhibits their enjoyment of the island. Despite the frightening encounter, that man is expected to recover. By the beginning of April, when the weather starts to warm, alligators become active, feeding more, looking for new territories and mating. There are several places to spot Alligators on Sanibel and, they are most active in the warmer months. A word to the wise should be sufficient. 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. SANIBEL, Fla. (WSVN) Rescue teams saved a man's life after a harrowing alligator attack in Sanibel. Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at freshwater boat ramps, docks or fish camps. 2023 Sanibel Holiday All rights reserved. GatorBites Tail & Ale Laitham Haddad shared the video with Fort Myers NBC affiliate WBBH. A woman who had worked on Sanibel for many years was attacked by an alligator while working. Crews said the victim was washing is hands in a pond. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Please do your part in protecting the Islands wildlife by not feeding alligators. Among the fascinating animals and birds to observe is the mighty Alligator. Do not let your small pets, such as dogs drink from or swim in, freshwater. What went wrong: A look at the detainment and release of NFL player Nate Allen by Fort Myers police. To have it end this way is just so sad.. A 54-year-old landscaper, Melsek was attacked Wednesday by an alligator that was 11 feet, 9 inches long and weighed 457 pounds. Remember they are an important part of Sanibels natural history as well as an integral component of our freshwater ecosystem. They find their way back is what they do.. March 11, 2005: Donald Ray Owen, 56, was found dead in Six Pound Pond near Lakeland in Polk County with multiple alligator bites and the left arm amputated below the elbow. Guide to Sanibel Restaurants "The trappers are saying maybe three or four foot (deep).". Since 1948, 491 people have been bitten. 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. Sheriff's divers recovered his body with injuries consistent with an alligator attack nine days after he was reported missing by his girlfriend, who said he told her he was going to commit burglaries. There is no way she (Olin) could have seen it.". Sanibel Fire said people at the scene were able to make a tourniquet for the man before medics arrived. A Sanibel landscaper was attacked by a 6-foot alligator Wednesday and escaped with stitches to her hand. Full story: https://t.co/s8YiqlIH9V pic.twitter.com/E1AvLHu7IS, Hes a big guy, he said his arm was hurting pretty good," said Sanibel Fire's Division Chief Tim Barrett. According to the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Melsek was the 14th person to be killed by a gator in Florida since 1973. Denial is not just a river in Egypt this can happen and does happen. I thought she was pulling through, Steve Yetsko said. Fifth, alligators can be lighting fast when they see you are in striking distance, 15 feet or less from them and the water. The skin was very torn up on his arm. As I pulled up, the man was sitting on the side, with blood coming out, with an extension chord that that he used as a makeshift tourniquet, said Sanibel Fire & Rescue District medical director Dr. Benjamin Abo, who specializes in wilderness medicine and who treated the man on-site. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel). Also, understand that if youre near a nest, theyre going to be protective.. "But hes a pretty tough old boy. The body of Alexandria Murphy was found near the shoreline of Lake Cannon in Winter Haven an hour after her family reported her missing. Why were all of a sudden having a problem if what weve had is a problem I dont know., Before returning to his chores in a thicket next to his house, Yetsko said he hopes Sanibel residents can continue to live in harmony with nature., I guess you can do it, he said. SANIBEL, Fla. A man is in the hospital after an alligator bit him Thursday morning on Sanibel Island, and according to Florida's Fish and Wildlife, the gator will be put to sleep. A pretty good size gatorabout 8 to 10 feet gator came up and grabbed him by the arm. Obviously, theres more people moving onto the island, he said. The dog, Jazzy, was found abandoned in a hotel room in Orlando earlier this month, Orange County Animal Services said on Facebook. SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. -- Janie Melseks death Friday morning had many people on Sanibel talking about the same thing alligators. I think its pretty scary, Ill tell you that, said Elaine Smith, a customer service representative at Bank of the Islands. Observe and photograph alligators only from 30 feet or more away. They are native to Mexico, China, and the United States. NBC 6's Erika Glover brings us the latest on the attack from an alligator that killed a toddler inside one Disney World resort. He was walking a dog on a narrow path between two wetland areas near J.N. Early reports that the gator was about 4-feet-long proved wrong once trappers captured the critter. It is during these times that alligator sightings are most prevalent. Sometimes they will use a big hook, and a large piece of meat and throw it out there and catch him, Chief Barrett said. 500,000 open heart surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and half of those patients require a blood transfusion. Leave alligators alone. Fifth, alligators can be lighting fast when they see you are in striking distance, 15 feet or less from them and the water. 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. Officials said the man was able to free himself and call 911. The man was able to free. Nov. 8, 2007: A man who jumped into a lake to flee police at the Miccosukee Resort and Convention Center was killed by an alligator more than 9 feet long. Nevertheless, the mayor believes the island will be open on January 2. In Naples, city council authorized the city manager to spend up to $100,000 to expedite the cleanup of dead fish within the city waterways []. A photo of the aftermath of the attack is so graphic we had to blur it, but with a closer . Theyre not in our yard, were in their territory. Pond Apple Trail 1159 Causeway Road. I thought about whether to post this news or. Newsroom: (305) 795-2777. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. July 23, 2004: Landscaper Janie Melsek, 54, died from a severe infection two days after she was mauled by a 12-foot, 457-pound alligator on Sanibel Island. Observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Experts trapped the cold blooded animal with meat and lassoed it. These feared but fascinating creatures are common on the island. 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. Murray and Adams say that people need to be aware of their surroundings, but as Adams said, even the trappers had a difficult time finding the gator in the pond where Olin was working. What's happening to turtle nests along Naples' beaches? There are numerous nature trails to explore and a huge wildlife refuge. Golf Courses The 2 best golf courses to Gator spot are The Dunes and Sanibel Island Golf Club. Do not harass Alligators in any manner. 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 is seen during a kayak tour near Everglades City on Dec. 2. "She kicked it and it let her go.". Contrary to popular belief, they have good eyesight and, their blind spot is in front of their nose. Top 9 Beautiful Beaches On Sanibel & Captiva Island 2022, 19 Best Restaurants On Sanibel Island 2022: A Local's Guide, The Ultimate Local Guide To Shelling On Sanibel Island 2022, 1619 Periwinkle Way, Suite 104 Sanibel Island is an incredible place to experience nature. 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. 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. Remember they are an important part of Sanibels natural history as well as an integral component of our freshwater ecosystem. Count on NBC2 to bring you the latest developments on this story. One of the biggest issues people are dealing with when it comes to insurance after Hurricane Ian is property damage. An alligator is seen during a kayak tour near Everglades City on Dec. 2. Florida Fish and Wildlife and a Florida State trapper arrived on the scene to capture the alligator, according to the City of Sanibel. 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 . The 9-foot-8-inch male alligator responsible for the attack was caught and destroyed. Steve Yetsko, 52, who lives around the bend from the house at 3061 Poinciana Circle where Melsek was working when she was attacked, was among those who ran to her aid. 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 Sanibel Island canal. But what is the Florida Department of Transportation actually doing on the Sanibel Causeway? Do not swim in water inhabited by Alligators. So he wants everyone to remember to be cautious. SANIBEL, Fla. A man was hospitalized after an alligator bit him on the arm. An 11-foot alligator killed an elderly man walking his dog by a canal, biting off part of his leg in the third deadly alligator incident in Florida this year. Dogs are more susceptible to being attacked than humans because dogs resemble the natural prey of alligators. The attack occurred at a pond near 2477 Periwinkle Way, which abuts Frannies Preserve, a forested area with hiking trails, and a few blocks south of J.N. I think they shouldnt let them get that big. The Sanibel Police Department received a 911 call shortly after 11am after a man was bitten in a pond near a general store on the island.. 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. A 12-foot alligator had been spotted in the lake twice the day before his body was found, forcing the park to close temporarily each time. Tribal police divers found the body of Justo Antonio Padron, 36, the next afternoon, with alligator teeth marks on the upper torso. Pitts says you never know whats lurking below the waters surface. Guide to Captiva Restaurants Crews are starting the long-term repairs after Hurricane Ian, causing traffic jams in Southwest Florida. Then, they dragged it in on shore and away from the water to be euthanized. WSVN-TVSunbeam Television Corp Sept. 26, 2004: Georgia college student Michelle Reeves, 20, drowned after an alligator bit off part of her right arm while she apparently went skinny-dipping in a lake in Fort Myers. You have to have your head on a swivel and be smart, especially with regard to small animals and small children; if youre down near the waters edge, theres a potential gator there. Its the orange cord wrapped around his arm. If you encounter a nuisance alligator or see someone feeding an alligator, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE SANIBEL POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (239) 472-3111. When the weather starts to warm, alligators become active, feeding more, looking for new territories and mating. Do not throw them in the water. I dont know if I agree with the brunt of the people blaming the alligator, Myerson said. Sanibel contains over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands that provide habitat for a sizable population of alligators. 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. She died at 9:15 a.m. Friday during surgery at Lee Memorial Hospital as doctors tried to combat the infection that spread through her body. 2000s. Five years ago last week Sanibel Island landscaper Janie Melsek lost her life to complications from an alligator attack. WSVN broadcast educational and informational programming for children, and file quarterly reports with the FCC detailing the station's outreach to children. He was taken to an area hospital; his current condition is unknown at this time. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge when the gator dragged him into the water. Police just captured the gator that bit a mans arm on Sanibel Island. (2022), The Sanibel and Captiva Farmers Markets (2022), 11 Local Favorites For A Sanibel Island Sunset (2022). A trapper killed the alligator suspected in the attack. Authorities shot the alligator after Okkerse's body was found. "A landscaping woman was clearing out weeds in the decorative pond when she reached in and an alligator came up and grabbed her," Adams said. When fed, alligators lose their natural fear and learn to associate people with food. The cause of death was listed as systemic inflammatory response syndrome.. What do we expect?. Alligators can climb and quite well, just something to be aware of. Gators are common in Florida and Chief Barrett said they respond to these types of calls more often than you will think. 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. Never feed Alligators, this will cause them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate humans with food. It is a celebration of nature at its finest. FWCs gator trappers gave us a close up of the gator after it was captured. There is a huge commitment to conservation and the, (SCCF) is the largest, private landowner on the island, . Twenty-five of those attacks were fatal, including two in Lee County both on Sanibel Island in 2001 and 2004. Mayor Marty Harrity met Friday with directors of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Expect sustained winds between ten to twenty miles per hour, with wind gusts as strong as thirty []. At least four people have been killed in alligator incidents this year in the U.S., two in Florida. Never let small children play by themselves near freshwater. Alligators, if they have been left alone, will generally not attack you. They should move the big ones to where theyre not around people.. Howsmon, 54, said the gator population needs to be thinned. In April 2004, a 74-year-old woman was grabbed by the leg and pulled underwater by a 9-foot, 7-inch gator. Youve got to be careful., Turf Masters Brands expands with recent acquisitions, Project EverGreen receives $50,000 matching grant from MEDC, Schill Grounds Management promotes 4 to senior positions, Schill Grounds Management acquires GrassCor, SavATree merges with Lyndon Tree Care & Landscaping. see crocodiles in an area called Flamingo in the Everglades that's located pretty far out of the way.. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Smith had known Melsek, who was a bank customer, for 23 years. Firefighters are battling several brush fires in Charlotte County; the one off McCall Road threatens several buildings, including a church. The alligator,. 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. 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. His leg was severed. . The man is taking antibiotics and needs to clean his wounds thoroughly and often. The 2-year-old Nebraska boy snatched by an alligator at a lake. 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. She later died of the wounds. There are. It was the state's first such fatal attack since 2007. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Since many of the residential neighborhoods on the Island contain lakes or interface with conservation lands containing wetlands, interaction between humans and alligators is likely. "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. The tourniquet was lifesaving. According to Sanibel Fire Department, a 25-year-old man was attacked around 11:06 AM along a pond near Baileys General Store located at 2477 Periwinkle Way. A photo of the aftermath of the attack is so graphic we had to blur it, but with a closer look, you can see the reason the man in this photo is still alive. 239-395-7671, Copyright 2020 - 2021|Avada Theme by. The gator reached up and grabbed his arm, Abo said. It was evident that hed lost a lot of blood and potentially had other damage to his tendons, Abo said. ", Contact Valli Finney at vallimfinney@yahoo.com, PHOTOS: County Commissioners square off at forum, Collier commission candidates clash over fracking. 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 Hes my service dog, so he saves my life a lot, Pitts said. The animal will be euthanized. The 450-pound alligator was killed. The 12th was Robert Steele, 81, who died on Sept. 11, 2001, after being bitten near his home off Rabbit Road, not far from where Melsek was attacked. Copyright 2023 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. Lost a lot of blood, but hes fine.. According to Sanibel Fire Department, a 25-year-old man was attacked. "Thankfully Lauri's OK," Murray said. 8:49 PM EST, Mon December 19, 2022 A A SANIBEL, Fla. A man was hospitalized after an alligator bit him on the arm. 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. There have been 22 fatalities attributed to alligator bites and attacks since 1973, records show. I dont know that were getting a reputation for it, Greenstein said. Donna Yetsko recalled seeing the gator that attacked Melsek at least twice a week. They say theres 300 of them on this island.. Be aware of the possibility of alligator attacks when in or near fresh or brackish bodies of water. There are many misconceptions about Alligators but they are still dangerous and as humans, we have to behave respectfully and sensibly towards them. If fishing, throw fish scraps away into trash cans, not the water. They manage over 1200 acres of conserved land. Ironically, Olin lives on the same street as Sanibel's only other fatal gator attack victim. Robert Steele, 82, was killed by a. "But the gators are out here. FWC. According to officers, the man was washing his hands in the pond when the alligator attacked.. 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. Campbell was a Tennessee visitor who was snorkeling in a secluded recreation area. So it wouldve been devastating, so Im just happy that it turned out the way that it did, and I just want to let other people know that theyre actually there right off the causeway, and that, you know, for people to be careful.. Abo has treated several alligator bites over the years, and commented on dangers of human-alligator run-ins. SANIBEL, Fla. A man is in the hospital after an alligator bit him Thursday morning on Sanibel Island, and according to Florida's Fish and Wildlife, the gator will be put to sleep. Utilities Department 24hr Emergency Hotline: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. The alligator believed to be responsible was killed. The attack happened on the 2400 block of Periwinkle Way around 11:00 am. It never was a problem.. A 54-year-old landscaper, Melsek was attacked Wednesday by an alligator that was 11 feet, 9 inches long and weighed 457 pounds. Alligator attacks have caused 24 deaths in Florida since 1973, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables resident still refuses to sell decades-old home surrounded by massive development, Broward County pastor faces several fraud, grand theft charges after defrauding church, Gunman dead after hours-long SWAT standoff at SW Miami-Dade apartment complex, Police: Man fatally shot 3-year-old son, himself inside Coconut Grove condo, Police arrest student who made false bomb threat at Dillard High School; classes resume. One of the best places to see crocodiles in Florida is also Everglades National Park!. Feeding alligators is a criminal act, punishable with up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. He wouldnt speculate on what, if anything, the council may do. Their metabolism is very slow and they are not the ravenous monsters some think they are. Second, a full grown alligator can exist on one raccoon for months. There is a huge commitment to conservation and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is the largest, private landowner on the island. Alligator on Sanibel Island - YouTube View from the wooden bridge that leads to Bowman's beach on Sanibel island View from the wooden bridge that leads to Bowman's beach on Sanibel. Were invading their territory. Wind gusts will not become as strong as yesterday. The decorative pond is about the size of a swimming pool, said Sanibel Police Maj. Michael Murray. Small, tropical, inviting, it is easy to feel that there is not a worry in the world while vacationing on Sanibel. According to Sanibel Fire the man was severely bitten but is expected to be okay. Observe and photograph alligators only from 30 feet or more away. nature trails to explore and a huge wildlife refuge. An alligator in a pond on Sanibel Island attacked a man who was washing his hands in the water. Though they are extremely territorial creatures, they do not like humans and will leave you alone if you leave them alone. . The victim fell into a pond in a gated community in Hilton Head Island, . Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. "All of a sudden a trapper saw it and hooked it. I am linking the report. Four of those deaths involve a child under age 5. It will be euthanized. First, alligators are opportunistic eaters. The only Gator bite you want is just over the causeway offering great food, excellent service, live entertainment, and a large outdoor patio. His mother told authorities he had been standing in knee-deep water picking water lilies for her. She later died of the wounds. Name, age, sex Date . High humidity will make our afternoon feels like temperatures reach the 90s in many spots. An 11-foot-4-inch, 407-pound alligator that was confirmed to have killed her was euthanized. The gator released Melsek after a five- to 10-minute tug of war with the gator on one side of her and police on the other. John C. Goede: Can changes be made to common areas without members' approval? Guide To Waterfront Dining. Chamber Executive Director Steve Greenstein insisted that wasnt true. Please do your part in protecting the Island's wildlife by not feeding alligators. Now we've decided to share a little sunshine with those all over the world! Sanibel Island is currently closed to non-residents, with the exception of first responders and recovery workers, as local authorities continue storm cleanup. 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.