TAVARES, Fla. — Investigators are working to figure out if someone was feeding the 7-foot alligator that attacked a Lake County man.
William Bechard said the alligator jumped out of the water and latched onto his arm.
The victim was pulling some weeds near the canal behind his home when the alligator jumped out and bit his arm. Bechard said he didn’t even hear the splash.
Raw: Interview with Tavares man who was bitten by alligator
Bechard said he believes had the animal pulled him in the water, he would have been killed.
“I would have been chewed right up,” he said.
He’s bandaged, stitched up and bruised, but says he’s grateful to be alive.
“I was scared. I didn’t know what was happening. I never even (saw) the alligator. I never even heard him,” he said.
Battered and bleeding, Bechard was able to get help.
Fish and Wildlife Officers were called to the scene and within a few hours, they were able to trap and kill the alligator they believe was responsible for the attack.
Less than a month ago and a few miles away, another man, Doug Brown, was attacked by an alligator.
He survived the attack.
In both cases, FWC believes the attacks were the result of people feeding the gators.
Bechard said it’s upsetting to know that people might be feeding alligators and that their illegal action could have cost him his life.
Bechard said he will continue to enjoy his lakefront property, but plans to keep a closer eye out for alligators.
He said he also hopes his ordeal will show the dangers of people feeding alligators.