It was a terrible Saturday night in Daytona Beach, Florida for a homeowner who was bitten by a nine-foot alligator after the man thought someone had been knocking at his front door.
According to NewsChannel8, Scot Hollingsworth had been watching television with his wife at their home on Champions Drive when he heard a thump at the front door. As Scot headed to the door and stepped outside to turn on the lights, the gator clamped down on the man’s leg and started to shake it vigorously.
Because it was dark outside, Hollingsworth at first thought it had been a vicious dog attacking him, but when he looked down and saw the alligator, he was in shock. The gator bit him in the upper thigh; the man was transported to the hospital. Scot is expected to make a full recovery.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission called a trapper, and the gator was later euthanized. The problem with relocating gators is that they commonly return to the area where they were captured or fight with other gators in the new area. Gatorland does take in some rescued alligators.
Hollingsworth lives in an area where there are many gators in his rear yard area, but stated this is the first time one has ever approached his home.
In the spring and fall, alligators are looking to mate, and they are more active and aggresive. Residents are urged NOT to feed an alligator and to keep their distance. Also, be reminded to keep pets on a leash and away from local ponds and water areas.
And as frightened and as painful as the alligator was, kind Scot Hollingsworth was saddened to find out the gator had been killed. All of his life, Scot has loved wildlife, but he did admit, this was a bit too close.
Read how alligator killed elderly woman walking her dog.
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