STUART, FLORIDA – A bicyclist suffered serious injuries after being severely bitten by a large alligator while on trail ride. The man was riding his bike on a trail at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart around 11:00am, when he lost control of his bike and fell into a body of water about six feet down an embankment. The female gator, which measured about 9-feet, grabbed ahold of the man severely injuring him.
The cyclist was able to break free then crawl to an area where he was assisted by a bystander. Martin County Fire Rescue, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Officers rendered aid and secured the scene, then drove the bite victim more than a mile to the park area, where a medical helicopter crew was awaiting. Trapper John Davidson was able to locate and trap the gator shortly after the incident. FWC Officers are in charge of the investigation.