Alligator bites trapper, deputy shoots alligator
A witness uses a cell phone to shoot video of a wildlife trapper in Hillsborough County, Florida, capturing an alligator moments before the man was bit on the leg on May 11, 2011.
Photographer: Sandy Dutcher
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 05/11/2011
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - A Hillsborough County deputy shot an alligator after the animal latched on to a trapper's leg and wouldn't let go.
Deputies arrived on scene of a Palm River home on US 301 to find a 8-foot alligator Wednesday evening.
Licensed trapper, 45-year-old Trapper John Wilson, also responded to the scene. Wilson, who has 11 years experience as a trapper, was in the process of capturing the gator when it bit down on the trapper's leg. It would not let go.
In fear for the trapper's life, 25-year-old Deputy Heyden Ayure shot the alligator, causing him to release the trapper's leg.
Wilson was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital where he was treated for a serious bite wound before being released.
Sandy Dutcher, who is on vacation from Indiana, videotaped the entire incident on a cell phone.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers and will assist in the investigation and release further details on the trapper and his condition.
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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