Tallahassee girl survives attack by 6-foot-eight-inch alligator at local lake

A 5-year-old girl was attacked and bit in the leg by a 6-foot-8-inch alligator while swimming Saturday at a recreation area in the Apalachicola National Forest.

The girl was not seriously injured, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which responded to the incident at Lost Lake Recreation Area in Leon County.

A contracted nuisance alligator trapper successfully removed the creature and the FWC is investigating the attack, officials said.

The agency reminded Florida residents and visitors alligators become more active and visible during spring and summer as temperatures rise and their metabolism increases. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

Contact MarKeith Cromartie at MCromartie@Tallahassee.com or follow on Twitter @MCromartieTD