"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. There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. They are followed by Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina in terms of the number of related gator attacks. La Verde then endured a 6-hour surgery and will have to undergo more operations in the months ahead. Monkeypox Cases Can Infect ANYONE According to Experts | WATCH, Kenan Thompson Set to Receive Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame | VIDEO. The lake is popular among those who love to fish for bluegills, black crappies, and largemouth bass. 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. An alligator attacked Merda as he swam in Lake Manatee Fish Camp on July 17, 2022, leaving him without an arm. Click for 10 days of taco specials $10 & under! View our Accessibility Statement for more information. You have entered an incorrect email address! Not long after he began swimming, Merda spotted an alligator approaching his right side. The 34-year-old victim survived the incident and was immediate hospitalized following yet another unprovoked alligator attack in the state. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Lewisville Lake is one of the largest lakes in north Texas, with 29,000 acres and 233 miles of shoreline. A total of 9,442 nuisance alligators were killed in 2021, the FWC says. #2 of 9 things to do in Thonotosassa. Mothers are very protective. 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.. Luckily, Merda lived but without one arm. The bite was enough to crush a portion of La Verdes skull and break his jaw. As LaVerde swam alone near the shoreline, drone video shows a massive alligator swimming toward him. THONOTOSASSA, Fla. - It is hard to say what is more incredible, that JC Defeats was bitten in the head by an alligator and survived, or that the brutal attack was caught on camera. However, the park management limits the maximum boat motor to 20 horsepower. 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Experts said alligators do not want anything to do with people. The man named Juan Carlos La Verde was . The park offers several amenities, including a golf course, a walking trail, and . In July, an elderly woman died after falling into a lake and being grabbed by two alligators in Florida. & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. Merda was walking solo along one of the trails, took some diversions, and found himself at the shores of Lake Manatee. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie. COPYRIGHT 2022 EURweb.com/Rabercom Enterprises. Only 20 minutes from downtown Tampa, La Verde made an impact with a hard object. According to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, it was the 18th attack by an alligator this year. 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. There have been at least three fatal alligator attacks in the US this year. However, La Verde is still looking up despite the scary encounter. While the Plott hound is the state dog of North Carolina, it is a very rare breed and not well-known in other states. Given that alligators natural habitat is near water bodies, it is hardly surprising that most Florida lakes are alligator-infested. The green lake looks like there could be something lurking under the surface, and that turned out to be true, because the American triathlete Bill Berry swam into an alligator during his training session. 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. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received a call about the . 366 Reviews. He even heard a popping sound when the animals jaw snapped. The man was swimming along the northern shoreline of Lake Thonotosassa. Save. It is a challenging but manageable trail. Dont Miss A Story. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay reported that the alligator closed its mouth with a total pressure of around 2,000 pounds on La Verdes head and chest. An alligator in Florida bit a man's head while he was swimming in August. 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. The lake gets its name from the Thonotosassa area, a critical quarry for Seminole Indians. See all waterbodies on an interactive map: Explore Waterbodies on an Interactive Map. 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.". Ensure you have your fishing license if you plan to engage in the activity on the lake. The trail begins at the parks parking lot, which is separated from the park by a wildlife gate. 15402 N US Highway 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592-2318. However, only those with freshwater fishing licenses can engage in these activities. The third attack incident involving alligators occurred in this lake. It was not until the man walked back to the private property where he had parked that it was clear he had been attacked by an alligator. 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. The agency also urges people to avoid alligators, as well as handling or feeding them. An alligator bit a man at Lake Thonotosassa in Thonotosassa, Florida, shown in a file photo from February 19, 2020. . Unfortunately, as fate would have it, McGuinesss risky job eventually cost him his life after an alligator attack. This attack, along the shoreline of Lake Thonotosassa in Hillsborough County, was . "The reason we've been calling on him is he's been coming up, you know, on our banks in front of the house, and he's not scared. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a call about the incident at around 3:45 PM on Thursday, according to a statement shared with CNN. All rights reserved. Another person was killed by an alligator near a retention pond in South Carolinas Myrtle Beach in June. And a Florida man was killed by an alligator while searching for Frisbees in a lake in late May. La Verde was recording an instructional film for his organization when the alligator attacked and engulfed his upper body up to his torso area. Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, EPC Water Quality data gathered from reports, FDEP Southwest Regional Operations Center, Hillsborough County Environmental Management Division, LAKEWATCH Supplemental Water Quality Sampling, LAKEWATCH Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring. 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. A number of these deadly alligator attacks occurred within the lake or its vicinity as people go near them. 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. . Thonotosassa, Lake is a 946 acre, Private lake located in Unincorporated Hillsborough County. 105 Sampling Locations. 222,553 Samples. Click for details. Copyright 2023 NATURE WORLD NEWS All rights reserved. For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. A man has sustained "serious injuries" to his arm after being attacked by an alligator in Manatee County, Florida. Download Data Waterbody Characteristics. Tue, Aug 16, 2022 at 5:17 pm. Taylor Lake is a five-acre freshwater lake connected to the 156-acre John S. Park via the Pinellas Trail. Taylor Lake is a five-acre freshwater lake connected to the 156-acre John S. Park via the Pinellas Trail. For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. 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 . By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. THONOTOSASSA, Fla. - For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. The climb will take you across several scenic footbridges, including the one that lies over Taylor Creek. La Verde, 34, was swimming . Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. THONOTOSASSA, Fla. - For the fourth time in the last three weeks, someone in the Tampa Bay region has been attacked by an alligator. Doctors performed a craniectomy, or surgery to remove a portion of his skull. A Florida man swimming in a 839-acre lake suffered a frightening attack by an alligator earlier this month. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 7:49 am. You can access these trails from the campground. Despite his injuries, La Verde managed to get out of the lake and asked for assistance for two kids he found at home. The USF Water Institute is committed to ensuring that our websites conform with Accessibility Support guidelines for people who need to use assistive technologies. A man suffers 'serious injuries' after being attacked by an alligator in Florida. Nature & Parks, Bodies of Water, State Parks. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. on Largo Police retrieved Sean McGuinesss body from the alligator-infested Taylor Lake on May 31, 2022. 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. What areas in Tampa Bay are best suited for oyster reef restoration? This is a generic photo of Lake Thonotosassa and does not show the . 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. By the time he noticed that he was under attack, almost half of his body was in the alligator. The agency recommends people stay away from alligators and avoid handling or feeding them. 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. Lake Thonotosassa is the largest natural lake in Hillsborough County. Juan Carlos La Verde can be seen swimming . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, FWC, and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office all responded to the scene. Alligator trappers were out on the lake looking for the gator. 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. As a result, the chances of losing life to alligator attacks are even slimmer. Pine flatwoods cover a significant proportion of the park, although hardwood and sand pine forests are also found within the park. Decline in the abundance of desirable sport fish. The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue transported the 34-year-old victim to the hospital, the FWC said, adding that it dispatched a contracted alligator trapper to the lake and is continuing to investigate the incident. "I didnt know what had happened I thought maybe he hit a rock or maybe there was something that spooked him," he said. 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. Wednesday it happened in Hillsborough County.. An alligator bit a man's face while he was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Florida, according to officials. A file photo of an alligator with its mouth open. 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. Nuisance alligators those that are 4 feet longer or more 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. A witness at the scene of the attack said they only heard a scream initially and later, the victim emerged from the water with a "big gash" and taken to the hospital., Viral News, Times Now 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. Ross drone captured the attack on camera. Though extremely rare, there have now been three known fatal alligator attacks so far in 2022. It is unclear if whether or not the man was aware of the danger lurking in the Florida lake, which is a common habitat of the reptiles in the state but also in other inland bodies of water in the United States and other countries worldwide. The victim was taken to a local hospital, but the extent of the injuries wasn't released by FWC. But frequent run-ins with these creatures have resulted in several unprovoked attacks in Florida. He specializes in travel content. He recalls feeling the reptiles teeth and tongue piercing his face, upper body, and skull. FWC said the alligator bit the person at Lake Thonotosassa. News outlets in early August shared the story of a 12-foot alligator attacking Juan Carlos La Verde. Scroll to read more Tampa Bay News articles. FWC said the alligator bit the person . Ross, who unknowingly captured the attack from above, said he couldnt believe La Verde survived the encounter. Whats the Biggest Alligator Ever Found in the Mississippi River? Thank you for reading! When he's not writing, Justin likes to make music, read, play basketball and spend time with loved ones. 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. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Watch an Alligator Prepare to Attack a Bird Only to Be Eaten by Another Alligator Twice Its Size, Discover Why Alligators Wont Cross Georgias Fall Line, 3 Florida Lakes with Alligator Attacks in 2022, Bay News, Available here: https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/06/08/gator-taylor-lake-mcguinness, Fox 13 News, Available here: https://www.fox13news.com/news/its-do-or-die-man-loses-arm-after-surviving-alligator-attack-at-lake-manatee, Tampa Bay, Available here: https://www.tampabay.com/news/2022/08/26/never-saw-the-alligator-how-a-tampa-bay-man-survived-vicious-attack/. Out of these attacks, 26 were fatal and one fatal injury in nearly every three years, the US media outlet says. Scroll to read more Tampa Bay News articles. 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 . There is a small swimming beach along the lakes shores where you could cool off during the summer. Forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama Jams w/Bruce Springsteen Will Smith Posts BTS of Emancipation & More | WATCH, Lil Meech Calls Cap on 2-Year-Old Pic w/Groupie Doctor Says Oral Sex Causes Throat Cancer & More | PicsVideos, Ne-Yo Says Celebs Are Weirdos-Hes Willing to Love Down A Plain Jane + Ime Udoka Publicly Apologizes for Affair & More | PicsVideos. The trail to Taylor Lake starts with a flat area followed by a steady climb towards the lake. Discovery Company. Thonotosassa, Lake is a 946 acre, Private lake located in Unincorporated Hillsborough County. 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. Season 3 of Brat Loves Judy Highlights Shortage of Black Sperm Gladys Knights Farewell Tour Continues This Summer in US. La Verde later described the horror of realizing that the beast was swallowing him alive. Max Steele "Ive been out here my whole life, we swim behind the house, my kids swim behind the house," said neighbor Jamie Slatton. This waterbody is located within: Hillsborough Bay Watershed. In July, an elderly woman died after falling into a lake and being grabbed by two alligators in Florida. suffered a frightening attack by an alligator, avoiding weedy areas during nesting and hatching season. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. USF Water Institute. Once you get to Taylor Lakes shores, you can spot Munt Bell, which rises 2,379 feet above the lake level. 9. 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. He would make up to $150 daily from this job. The gator grabbed his right arm and began dragging him underwater while performing death rolls. Justin Garcia has written for The Nation, Investigative Reporters & Editors Journal, the USA Today Network and various other news outlets. The man was seriously injured after being bitten by the gator while swimming in Lake Thonotosassa. "There's tons of gators in there," said 16-year-old Seth Wynn who fishes on the lake. So, what I think I did, what I felt like I did, was that I immediately tried to open its jaws because I knew I was in a gator, La Verde said. 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. THONOTOSASSA, Fla. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said an alligator bit someone Wednesday afternoon, sending them to the hospital. The lakes average depth is six feet, and the deepest part is 13 feet. In an interview with WFTS-TV, La Verde, a former U.S. Air Force pararescueman, recalled the moment he knew he was under attack. He somehow managed to place his hands inside the gators mouth, felt its teeth as it struggled, and rolled with him in water. Lake Manatee is part of the expansive 556-acre Lake Manatee State Park. Lake Thonotosassa presents many recreational activities for residents and visitors. Lake Lewisville, Texas. La Verde attributed his survival to his instincts, luck, and divine intervention. Merda swam to the shore, began screaming for help, and eventually got assistance three days later. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Huge Florida Gator Eats a Smaller Florida Gator in Most Florida Video Ever. An alligator bit a mans face while he was swimming in Lake Thonotosassa in Florida, according to officials. Latest Sample 04/29/2023. Its both a tragedy and a miracle at the same time, Ross told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. DeSantis says Disney lawsuit is 'political', By Jim Turner and News Service of Florida. 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. We welcome user submissions of documents, organizations, videos, etc. Despite knowing about the danger of working in the alligator-infested lake, he never seemed bothered by the threat, despite not having health insurance. This waterbody is located within: Local authorities confirmed the incident occurred in the afternoon hours of Thursday. THONOTOSASSA, Fla. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said an alligator bit someone Wednesday afternoon, sending them to the hospital.