TAMPA, Fla. — A mother from Temple Terrace is recovering after surviving a bite from an alligator on the Fourth of July.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued a release on Thursday stating an alligator estimated to be 8 feet long bit a woman's leg on the Hillsborough River, prompting her to be hospitalized. FWC added the alligator has since been removed.
"I'm mostly just really grateful," said Rachél Thompson, who said her fibula was fractured from the bite.
For some time, Thompson said she and other neighbors have noticed an alligator, who appeared to be aggressive.
On the morning of Independence Day, Thompson said she went into the river, outside her home, for a quick rinse after her usual workout. However, she didn't notice the alligator's head emerge until it was near her leg.
"I turned to leave and as shallow as the water was, I never saw bubbles. I never saw waves," Thompson said. "In the moment that I saw that giant head, I knew that it had me."
Thompson said she let out a scream when the alligator bit her but no one was around.
Suspecting it was the alligator neighbors had talked about, she said it had been bitten by another alligator in the nose area. Thompson said she proceeded to punch its nose.
"I lose more ground, and what flashes through my mind is you have one or two more pulls and you're going to be in a roll," she said.
Eventually, Thompson said she grabbed both sides of the alligator's mouth and managed to free herself. She's not sure how she survived but said she couldn't die when she has a son and daughter to look after.
Thompson said she was able to wrap her leg from a nearby shed. Her son, who heard her scream, was able to retrieve her phone and a call to a friend went out.
The injury is prompting her to use crutches for at least the next several weeks. Thompson said she's taking medication to prevent an infection.
As Thompson recovers, she said she's grateful for her friends and loved ones who've been able to support her and her kids.
"I took my chances and I made it, but I would say most people in that situation are not so lucky," she said.
Thompson added a trapper was able to get the alligator out earlier this week and is said to be at least 11 feet long.
FWC recommends Floridians and visitors adhere to the following precautionary measures:
- Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC.
- Never feed an alligator
- Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
- Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.