A man camping in a Florida RV park had a terrifying encounter with an alligator that left him severely injured. The victim, whose name has not been released, was attacked on Saturday night at the Wilderness RV Resort in Silver Springs, Florida.

According to witnesses, the man was walking his dog near the water’s edge when the alligator suddenly lunged at him. Despite his attempts to fight off the reptile, the alligator managed to bite off part of his lower leg.

The man was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery. His current condition is unknown, but authorities report that he is expected to survive.

The incident has left the RV park community shaken, as many residents often walk their pets near the water. While alligators are common in Florida, attacks on humans are relatively rare. However, when they do occur, they can be deadly.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials have launched an investigation into the incident and are actively searching for the alligator responsible for the attack. In the meantime, they are warning people to be cautious when walking near bodies of water, especially during alligator mating season, which runs from April to June.

Alligators are protected under state law in Florida, and it is illegal to feed or harass them. The FWC recommends that people keep a safe distance from alligators and never approach them, especially during mating season when they can be more aggressive.

This incident serves as a reminder that even in popular tourist areas like RV parks, wildlife can pose a serious threat. It is important for visitors to take precautions and be aware of their surroundings to avoid potentially dangerous situations.