Woman nearly has hand severed by alligator in gruesome attack after dropping a can in the water
A WOMAN was nearly left without a hand after being bitten by an alligator in a gruesome attack in Florida.
In an interview on the harrowing incident, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles told CBS Miami the unnamed victim was attacked when she dropped a can from a dock and bent down to retrieve it from the water.
Mr Jachles told local media the four to five-foot alligator left the woman with a severe hand injury “that was almost a full amputation of the right hand near the wrist.”
Several bystanders rushed to help the woman after the attack, preventing her from falling into the water.
According to CBS Miami, the 49-year-old went into shock after experiencing significant blood loss.
A rescue helicopter rushed the victim to Broward Health North Trauma Centre. She is believed to be in a critical condition.
People who know the area well say alligators are just a way of life.
The woman, from Osceola County in Florida, was staying in the area with family.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is continuing the investigation.
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