Alligator Attack Facts

When people talk about Florida, they almost inevitably mention the alligators. These prehistoric creatures strike fear into the hearts of residents and tourists, and rightly so. While alligator attacks may not be increasingly common, they can certainly be a threat to the Floridians who are in their path. According to WTSP News, alligators are often hiding in the lakes on Florida’s famous golf courses, and 11 golfers have been bitten by alligators in the past. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Center tries hard to keep records of all alligator attacks in order to give the public a clear presentation of the degree of danger that alligators present.

In their records, which date back to 1928, 310 people have been bitten by an unprovoked alligator. In total, 579 incidents of an alligator attack have been reported, but these also include situations when an alligator did not injure a person, or but their raft or swimming fin in a river. Up until the 1970s, the Wildlife Conservation Center did not keep their alligator records vigilantly, which means that there have probably been more unreported attacks in the past.

In addition, 69 people have been but by an alligator that was fed by humans, and therefore should not have been hungry. 43 of the bite victims recorded were between the ages 61 and 70. When Donald Poole was out golfing with his friends in 2007, he had no idea that there was a dangerous beast waiting for him in the later. According to Poole, he teed off and his ball sailed towards the high grass by a marshy water hazard. He walked over to retrieve the ball, and noticed a small alligator. He says that the small animal was about 3 and a half feet, but it didn’t hesitate to jump and latch onto his leg.

Alligators have very strong jaws, and this one was able to inflict significant damage on Poole’s leg. He then smacked the creature on the head, effectively scaring it. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Center is trying hard to eliminate the amount of alligator attacks in the state, but can’t be held fully responsible for the incidents. If you were attacked by one of these creatures on a golf course or another location, you may have the right to sue for a premises liability. Talk to a personal injury lawyer today to get more information about this potential lawsuit.