Recreational Florida river reopens after snorkeler bit by alligator, deputies say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - The Rainbow River, described as "a top Marion County attraction since the late 1880s," has reopened after a snorkeler was bitten by an alligator, deputies reported.

The river's brief closure was prompted by an incident involving a man hurt by an alligator while recreating on the Rainbow River in Marion County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said.

In a June 21 social media post, the Marion County Sheriff's Office reported that the alligator was removed from the area and the river is now open. 

What we know:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received a report on June 21 that a man in the Rainbow River was treated for his injuries at a hospital after coming into contact with an alligator. 

In a June 22 released statement, the FWC reported the man has since been released from the hospital. 

Following the incident, a contracted nuisance alligator trapper was sent to the area and removed the 8-foot-3-inch animal from the water, FWC said. Deputies assisted in locating the alligator, the sheriff's office said. 

See an alligator? Here's what to do, FWC says

Despite the reported incident, the FWC claimed serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. 

People with concerns regarding alligators are urged to contact the Nuisance Alligator Hotline and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper will be sent to resolve the situation, the FWC said. 

Additionally, the FWC provided four precautionary measures to remember if anyone is near or in water where alligators may be present. 

• Keep a distance. For those concerned about nearby alligators, they can call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). A contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.
• Keep pets on a leash. The FWC urges individuals to keep their pets away from the water’s edge. Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey, the FWC said.
• Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. tjje FWC said.
• Never feed an alligator. It’s illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild.

What is the Rainbow River? 

The Rainbow River, located at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, offers outdoor adventurers a chance to canoe and kayak down the 5.7-mile waterway bordering the state park's natural greenery. 

The Rainbow Springs State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset each day.