Wednesday it happened in Hillsborough County. 15402 N US Highway 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592-2318. He specializes in travel content. The parks management has installed several signs warning visitors to avoid feeding the alligators or swimming in the lake. The agency recommends people stay away from alligators and avoid handling or feeding them. A good Samaritan drove La Verde to the hospital. I get that thats scary, I do, but life is a scary place, so you can carry that load by yourself or have someone carry it for you.. Juan Carlos La Verde poses with his wife, Christine, inside their living room. But said theres been a nuisance gator causing issues, and for the last four months a trapper has been out repeatedly to try and remove it. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. FWC said the alligator bit the person . You have entered an incorrect email address! It is also a private lake located 33 feet above sea level. A man suffers 'serious injuries' after being attacked by an alligator in Florida. Presented By: Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Decline in the abundance of desirable sport fish. An alligator bit a man at Lake Thonotosassa in Thonotosassa, Florida, shown in a file photo from February 19, 2020. Taylor Lake is a five-acre freshwater lake connected to the 156-acre John S. Park via the Pinellas Trail. Police suspect that the alligators were in their mating or nesting season when they became most irritable, which explains why they viciously attacked McGuiness. McGuiness had epilepsy and was diagnosed with a pituitary gland tumor. The man was swimming along the northern shoreline of Lake Thonotosassa. Once you cross the second bridge, you can either continue on the path toward Taylor Lake or take the diversion towards OBrien Lake, some 1.3 miles away. Although experts claim that fatal alligator attacks are rare, multiple related incidents have been recorded in Florida over recent months and years. A total of 9,442 nuisance alligators were killed in 2021, the FWC says. 2. The gator grabbed his right arm and began dragging him underwater while performing death rolls. The dam was constructed sometime in the 1960s. Alligator trappers were out on the lake looking for the gator. La Verde admitted to the newspaper that he hadnt taken precautions before swimming in the lake, such as examining the water for alligators and avoiding weedy areas during nesting and hatching season. In an interview with WFTS-TV, La Verde, a former U.S. Air Force pararescueman, recalled the moment he knew he was under attack. Alligator Attack Survival Story. THONOTOSASSA, Fla. - For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. The freshwater lake is excellent for fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Updated Ensure you have your fishing license if you plan to engage in the activity on the lake. Florida alligator, alligator attack, Lake Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County, Florida alligator attack, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC, Animal attack, gator attack, United States, us. Tue, Aug 16, 2022 at 5:17 pm. suffered a frightening attack by an alligator, avoiding weedy areas during nesting and hatching season. The agency recommends people stay away from alligators and avoid handling or feeding them. The park offers several amenities, including a golf course, a walking trail, and fishing activities on the lake. The man had been swimming in Lake Thonotosassa, towards the northeast of Tampa, when the attack . In Florida, the FWC in November 2021 stated there were 442 unprovoked alligator bites from 1948 to 2021, with an average of six per year. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. And a Florida man was killed by an alligator while searching for Frisbees in a lake in late May. Nuisance alligators those that are 4 feet or longer and believed to pose a threat to people, their pets or property are trapped and killed by the agency through its Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program. La Verde, 34, was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in suburban Tampa during filming of an instructional video for DefeatX, an organization that aims to help people dealing with anxiety and depression through athletic endeavors. Report it here. Ross drone captured the attack on camera. His struggles with his health complications and his determination to work instead of begging for food could have led him to take the risky job. Lake Manatee is an artificial water body resulting from a dam constructed along the Manatee River. Two alligators killed elderly woman at Florida country club, says medical examiner, Man killed by alligator while searching for Frisbee in Tampa Bay park. A drone video has emerged showing a swimmer in Lake Thonotosassa, outside of Tampa, Florida, fending off an alligator attack before racing to the shoreline. The climb will take you across several scenic footbridges, including the one that lies over Taylor Creek. He even heard a popping sound when the animals jaw snapped. This waterbody is located within: There is a small swimming beach along the lakes shores where you could cool off during the summer. The bite was enough to crush a portion of La Verdes skull and break his jaw. Wake up to the day's most important news. Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 7:00 PM EDT, Inland Flagler County, Coastal Flagler County, DeSantis in Japan ahead of expected US presidential bid, Trump extends lead over DeSantis in new poll, FOX 35 Care Force: Cleaning up the Wekiva River for Earth Day, Cleaning up the Wekiva River for Earth Day, New Orlando ice cream shop highlights gluten-free ice cream, Florida man attacks another man with golf club on Lake County course, deputies say, Larry 'Gator' Rivers, Harlem Globetrotter legend from Georgia, dies at 73, Downtown Orlando bars now need special permit to sell alcohol after midnight, Buckeye woman stung more than 75 times during family photo shoot, first responders say, 2 high schoolers killed, 4 others hurt in shooting at house party in Mississippi. Though extremely rare, there have now been three known fatal alligator attacks so far in 2022. In particular, the emphasis is placed on the so-called "nuisance alligators" which have a size of at least four feet and perceived to pose a threat to people, their pets, and property, as summarized by the US media network. He figured out that his camp was on the opposite side of the lake and decided to swim across rather than walk around it. Did you encounter any technical issues? appreciated. Although the lakes name suggests that one will see a lot of manatees, visitors will not see any at the park because the dam prevents them from reaching the lake. JC La Verde, firefighter and paramedic for Oldsmar Fire Rescue, had been swimming in Lake Thonotosassa, towards the northeast of Tampa, on August 3 when the alligator attacked, according to a . A Florida man swimming in a 839-acre lake suffered a frightening attack by an alligator earlier this month. Lake Thonotosassa is the largest natural lake in Hillsborough County. 9. A waterfall also magnetically descends a 164-foot high cliff on the lakes western side. "Its usually not the person feeding the gator that gets bit, it's somebody that doesnt even know theres a gator there that ends up getting bit," said ZooTampa Associate Curator of Reptiles & Fish, Dan Costell. La Verde later described the horror of realizing that the beast was swallowing him alive. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received a call about the . The La Verdes on their boat in a lake behind their house, before the alligator attack. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until MON 8:00 PM EDT, Pinellas County, Coastal Hillsborough County, Coastal Manatee County, Coastal Sarasota County, Suspected Seminole Heights serial killer Howell Trae Donaldson pleads guilty to 4 murders, Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett's 2-year-old daughter drowns in family swimming pool, USF football player arrested for domestic battery, DeSantis board votes to countersue Disney in response to lawsuit, Heart attack survivor competes in St. Anthony's triathlon after hospital saved her life. You can access these trails from the campground. Thu, Aug 4, 2022 at 2:29 pm, The Savannah Bananas will bring 'the greatest show in sports' to Tampa this weekend, New coffee in Seminole Heights, Chef Suzanne Lara has a new Tampa concept, and more Tampa Bay foodie news. This is a generic photo of Lake Thonotosassa and does not show the . The lakes average depth is six feet, and the deepest part is 13 feet. They are followed by Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina in terms of the number of related gator attacks. When I felt the teeth, I immediately knew, and then as I opened it I knew that I either turned it or it turned me, but it was confused just as I was confused, and then it just let go.. The natives sourced spearheads, arrowheads, and other tools from lake mines. "It was pretty gnarly, it was definitely an alligator bite on his face," he said. The alligator did not bite off his entire arm, and the doctors at Sarasota Memorial Hospital performed a surgery involving amputating the remaining parts of his right arm. Learn about the habitat restoration assessment, design, and techniques that have been successfully utilized over the past four decades to restore coastal ecosystems in Tampa Bay. Juan Carlos La Verde, 34, was swimming at the lake outside Tampa when, according to . American Indians performed feasts, ceremonies, and marriages in the area. In July, an elderly woman died after falling into a lake and being grabbed by two alligators in Florida. Lake Thonotosassa covers over 800 acres and is the largest in Hillsborough County. There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. La Verde attributed his survival to his instincts, luck, and divine intervention. And I had a med kit in my car so I gave him gauze and an emergency kit to stop the bleeding and then the ambulance showed up.". "This time of year you may have some females protecting some juveniles, the females stay around their babies for at least a year, sometimes longer," Costell said. Its silly. Find him. The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue transported the 34-year-old victim to the hospital, the fish and wildlife commission said, adding that it dispatched a contracted alligator trapper to the lake and is continuing to investigate the incident. An alligator bit a man's face while he was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Florida, according to officials. Lake Thonotosassa is located in Hillsborough County near Tampa. Juan Carlos La Verde, of Brandon, was taking a dip in Lake Thonotosassa on Wednesday afternoon when . An alligator bit a man at Lake Thonotosassa in Thonotosassa, Florida, shown in a file photo from February 19, 2020. . Alligators naturally live near water bodies, and a large population of alligators lives in Floridas lakes. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, FWC, and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office all responded to the scene. . HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (CW44 News At 10 | CNN) -- An alligator bit a man's face while he was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Florida, according to officials. Florida is the unofficial home of alligators, The Best Childrens Books About Alligators: Reviewed and Ranked, camping site along the shores of the lake, alligators were in their mating or nesting season, See a Crocodile Attack Two Male Lions Out for a Swim, Hogtied Gator Gets Last Laugh And Knocks Out Florida Trapper With Huge Headbutt. There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. A Florida man's swim in Lake Thonotosassa took a nasty turn when he was bitten in the face by an alligator. Once you get to Taylor Lakes shores, you can spot Munt Bell, which rises 2,379 feet above the lake level. DeSantis says Disney lawsuit is 'political', By Jim Turner and News Service of Florida. 105 Sampling Locations. It covers 2,400 acres and extends three miles from the southern section of the beautiful lake. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Only 20 minutes from downtown Tampa, La Verde made an impact with a hard object. "I just heard a scream and I looked up, and I didnt see anything," a witness said. The man was seriously injured after being bitten by the gator while swimming in Lake Thonotosassa. Have some feedback for us? This is a generic photo of Lake Thonotosassa and does not show the specific site of the attack. He said he has never heard of anyone being bit by an alligator in Lake Thonotosassa before. Scroll to read more Tampa Bay News articles. In July, an elderly woman died after falling into a lake and being grabbed by two alligators in Florida. He would make up to $150 daily from this job. Nature & Parks, Bodies of Water, State Parks. It also has several trails, the top of which are the Gopher Trail Loop, Lake Manatee East Loop, and the Lake Manatee Loop. However, the park management limits the maximum boat motor to 20 horsepower. The third attack incident involving alligators occurred in this lake. He went for a swim in Lake Thonotosassa just outside of Tampa on Wednesday, August 3 when the alligator swam directly upon him and began to attack, per WFTS Tampa News.. La Verde, who often goes by "JC Defeats," was swimming in the lake to film an instructional video for his company . on Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Around 1.3 million alligators call Florida home, according to the FWC, living in all 67 counties in the state. That object turned out to be an alligator swimming underwater coming at him. An alligator bit a man at Lake Thonotosassa in Thonotosassa, Florida, shown in a file photo from February 19, 2020. Alternatively, use the Waterbody Search page to view all waterbodies in a sortable and filterable list. FWC is investigating Wednesday's gator attack. A similar incident occurred at the same park in 2020. Two weeks after, the Brandon man is out of the hospital but has a long road to recovery ahead of him.. On Aug. 3, JC was at Lake Thonotosassa shooting an instructional video for an upcoming event through his company . View our Accessibility Statement for more information. Given that alligators natural habitat is near water bodies, it is hardly surprising that most Florida lakes are alligator-infested. The US government relocated many Seminole Indians to the area around the lake during the 19th-century Seminole Wars. A number of these deadly alligator attacks occurred within the lake or its vicinity as people go near them. "Ive been out here my whole life, we swim behind the house, my kids swim behind the house," said neighbor Jamie Slatton. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received a call about the incident at around 3:45 p.m. Thursday, according to a statement shared with CNN. In a terrifying video, a Florida man was viciously attacked by a 12-foot alligator in Lake Thonotosassa, and was left without the right side of his skull. The 34-year-old victim survived the incident and was immediate hospitalized following yet another unprovoked alligator attack in the state. Will Downing on New Song Following Daughters Suicide, Advice to Parents, Issa Rae and Shameik Moore Would Unalive Spiders Matthew Lawrence Opens Up About Hollywood Casting Couch & More | PicVideos. Taylor Lake is popular among hikers between Lake Louse and Banff because it does not have much traffic compared to the other parks near these towns. There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. Drone footage shot from above a Florida lake shows the moment a large alligator chomps on a man's head.The victim somehow managed to survive the attack. Pine flatwoods cover a significant proportion of the park, although hardwood and sand pine forests are also found within the park. 2023 Cable News Network. Learn how TBEP and its partners measure seagrass abundance and health, and about the current state of seagrass in Tampa Bay. Lake Manatee is part of the expansive 556-acre Lake Manatee State Park. Lake Thonotosassa. An alligator attacked Merda as he swam in Lake Manatee Fish Camp on July 17, 2022, leaving him without an arm. Hillsborough Bay Watershed. Around 1.3 million alligators live in Florida, in all 67 counties, according to the commission. A Warner Bros. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie. JC Defeats was rushed to Tampa General Hospital after a gator bit down on his head. McGuinesss body had three missing limbs, and he is suspected of drowning after getting attacked by the gators. See all waterbodies on an interactive map: Explore Waterbodies on an Interactive Map. One of the largest lakes in north Texas, Lewisville Lake, is infested with alligators. By There is no more complete source for urban news than the Electronic Urban Report. Lake Manatee park offers visitors several activities, including spotting several species of wildlife, including bobcats, quail, deer, and gopher tortoises. Drone pilot Matt Ross was filming Juan Carlos La Verde, a firefighter and paramedic, when La Verde suddenly felt a 12-foot gator pierce his skin and make his head pop, per Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. You will cover the flat section in a few minutes before embarking on the continuously climbing section that covers 3.7 miles to the lake. Tampa Theatre secures $14 million for repairs and restorations, USF president says student protesters caused an active shooter response from staff, Following report of a shrinking canopy, City of Tampa plans to plant 30,000 trees by 2030, Florida bill allowing landlords to charge tenants a monthly non-refundable fee in lieu of a security deposit heads to DeSantis, By Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida, Florida Republicans vote to lower gun-buying age, reversing changes made after Parkland, Florida Republicans clear path for DeSantis to run for president without resigning. The lake gets its name from the Thonotosassa area, a critical quarry for Seminole Indians. While the Plott hound is the state dog of North Carolina, it is a very rare breed and not well-known in other states. the FWC in November 2021 stated there were 442 . Unfortunately, the park does not have lifeguards; swimming is at ones own risk. As LaVerde swam alone near the shoreline, drone video shows a massive alligator swimming toward him. I am actually even better because this gave me a new perspective, you know, and not many people get that, La Verde told WFTS-TV. The 34-year-old was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa when the alligator struck, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, only those with freshwater fishing licenses can engage in these activities. The animal . The park offers several amenities, including a golf course, a walking trail, and . Save. The agency also urges people to avoid alligators, as well as handling or feeding them. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. The FWC, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue all responded to the scene. Click for 10 days of taco specials $10 & under! An alligator bit a man at Lake Thonotosassa in Thonotosassa, Florida, shown in a file photo from February 19, 2020. . This attack, along the shoreline of Lake Thonotosassa in Hillsborough County, was actually captured on video by drone hovering above the lake. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. COPYRIGHT 2022 EURweb.com/Rabercom Enterprises. The park has a camping site located near the lake. Let us examine three of the lakes where these attacks occurred. Justin Garcia has written for The Nation, Investigative Reporters & Editors Journal, the USA Today Network and various other news outlets. Lake Thonotosassa resident Jamie Slatton told FOX 13 that he's never heard of an alligator attack on the lake, but mentioned that there has been a nuisance gator in recent months that trappers . The relatively frequent alligator attacks or encounter in Florida is somehow expected, since there is a large number of the animal's population across the Sunshine State. Lake Thonotosassa is an 942 acres (381 ha) lake that is named after the census-designated place (CDP) that it is in, which is Thonotosassa, Florida. See a water quality problem happening? Scroll to read more Tampa Bay News articles. Experts said alligators do not want anything to do with people. 222,553 Samples. For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. As of July 25, FWC said a total of 16 alligator bite incidents have been reported to the agency. Man bitten in the face by alligator while swimming in Lake Thonotosassa, helps people who suffer with depression and anxiety, climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest. However, when they start being fed, they lose their fear of humans. Thonotosassa Road lies on the southern part of the lake, while the Taylor Highway is on its western side. Residential development surrounds the lake. Despite the scenic environment and inviting waters, swimming is discouraged in the lake. The man was rushed to Tampa General Hospital around 4 p.m., and was in critical condition, fire officials said. For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. The Florida Fish and Wildlife . Later in the emergency room, La Verde underwent a six-hour craniotomy and jaw surgery that saw surgeons remove a section of his temporal lobe. Taylor Lake is a five-acre freshwater lake connected to the 156-acre John S. Park via the Pinellas Trail. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (WLF) stated that licensed hunters have removed more than 1,000 nuisance alligators in the state, where reported attacks are just encounters, as cited by USA Today. Wednesday it happened in Hillsborough County.. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said agents contracted a nuisance alligator trapper at the location, but there has been no word if the specific gator has been captured. An edition of: WaterAtlas.org 'It was pretty gnarly,' an unidentified witness said. Many of those who visit the lake engage in cutthroat trout fishing. THONOTOSASSA, Fla. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said an alligator bit someone Wednesday afternoon, sending them to the hospital. *(CNN) An alligator bit a mans face while he was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Florida, according to officials. Four main challenges exist in the Lake Thonotosassa watershed: Nutrient loadings from the watershed have caused extreme nutrient-enrichment resulting in algal blooms. The only fatality involving a water body occurred when an individual got into the lake while searching for frisbees, also known as disk courses. The lake was also a religious site. The Knights-Griffin Road is at the northern part of the lake, while the McIntosh Road allows you to access the eastern part of the lake. When he's not writing, Justin likes to make music, read, play basketball and spend time with loved ones. Start typing the name of a water resource in the box below to see a list of matching waterbodies. There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. Fishing, skiing, swimming, relaxing, and boating are popular activities on this recreational lake. Local authorities confirmed the incident occurred in the afternoon hours of Thursday. At this time no alligators have been removed from the area," FWC wrote in an email to CL. Several alligator attacks were recorded in Florida in 2022, but only three happened in lakes. Juan Carlos La Verde, 34, was swimming in Florida's Lake Thonotosassa in preparation for a race when a large alligator bit him on the head and face, leaving him with serious injuries. La Verde then endured a 6-hour surgery and will have to undergo more operations in the months ahead. Luckily, the scary incident only lasted a few seconds, and La Verde managed to wrestle his way out of the jaws of death. Increased abundance of non-native plant species. He swam until he got to a home across the attack area. The alligator bit the face of a man while he was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Florida, in a case of another unprovoked attack in the state. Alligators are naturally afraid of humans, which explains why cases of them attacking humans are rare. Visitors can canoe, kayak, and ride bikes and golf cart rentals in the park. A Florida alligator took a chomp of a man's face when he was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Hillsborough County on Thursday, August 4. Alligator in Florida Euthanized After Being Found With Knife Sticking on its Head, Alligator Drinks Box of Diet Coke Cans at Florida Couple's Home, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Invasive Lanternfly Continues Spread in New York, Might Take Down Grape and Wine Industry, Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Large Hail Threaten 15 Million Residents in Texas, Giant 10-Foot Great White Shark Stranded Along South Carolina Beach, Death Remains a Mystery, Antarctica During Dinosaur Era Ravaged by Frequent Forest Fires [Study], $20k Reward Money Up For Finding Boat Operator Who Drove Over California Sea Lions in the Columbia River. He somehow managed to place his hands inside the gators mouth, felt its teeth as it struggled, and rolled with him in water. La Verde, 34, was swimming . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Despite knowing about the danger of working in the alligator-infested lake, he never seemed bothered by the threat, despite not having health insurance. Will Downing on New Song Following Daughters Suicide, Advice Kandi Burruss Hustles Up KFC Ad Based on Scene Dr. Phil Calls Professors $350,000-Per-Person Reparations Idea an Absolute Four Tops Singer to Sue Racist Hospital: They Told Suge Knight Says Snoop Dogg and Harry-Os Death Row Barbies Racial Justice Dolls Continue Mattels Path Toward Representation Daveed Diggs Planned Twister Sequel with All-Black and Brown Laura Coates Unlikely to Host CNNs 11 p.m. Out of these attacks, 26 were fatal and one fatal injury in nearly every three years, the US media outlet says. When you walk down it by the lake, you'll stand right there and look at you like he's in a hunting mode," he explained. 7:49 am. Do not reproduce without permission. "Trapping efforts are ongoing at Lake Thonotosassa following this incident. We welcome user submissions of documents, organizations, videos, etc. There are no roads that cross it, but the four roads that go around it are: Taylor Road/Fort King Highway (west), Thonotosassa Road . 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He recalls feeling the reptiles teeth and tongue piercing his face, upper body, and skull. Not long after he began swimming, Merda spotted an alligator approaching his right side. Taylor Lake is not the most crocodile-infested water body in Florida, but it is the location of the first incident involving an alligator attack in 2022.
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