PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla — An alligator named Archer died after rescuers tried to save her when she was shot in the head by multiple arrows and bullets.
The Florida gator was brought to the sanctuary Bellowing Acres in Putnam County for treatment, where staff was able to remove two arrows and two pellets from the shotgun out of her head, according to an Instagram video posted by the sanctuary.
She was put on pain medication and antibiotics, and the arrow "literally missed her brain by less than an inch," the post on June 12 read. Shortly after, Chris Gillette, the sanctuary's president, posted on Facebook that Archer passed away. He said swelling, infection and trauma all played a part in her death, and she was suffering from "extreme lead poisoning."
"We hope that her story will raise awareness, and if you see somebody shooting an alligator, please say something and do the right thing and report to FWC," he said in the post.
People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
