A man was attacked by an alligator after falling off his bicycle in Florida.
The cyclist was in the Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart and lost control of his bike, the police said on Facebook.
He fell into a body of water and was attacked by the alligator.
The animal reportedly seriously injured him, but the man was able to break free.
Eventually he was rescued by passers-by and taken to the hospital by helicopter.
"He had wounds all over his leg, but mostly his thigh," eyewitness and first responder Charlie Shannon told WPTV.
He then tied the wound with a dog leash.
"I hope he's fine," Shannon said.
The man was an experienced cyclist, the broadcaster quoted another witness, Scott Lorraine.
But he probably had problems with his tire in a corner and almost landed directly on the alligator.
Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare, however, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
However, many people would live by the water and be increasingly active in the water.
"This can lead to more frequent interactions between alligators and humans and to a greater potential for conflict."
aar / dpa
