PALM RIVER, Fla., May 12 (UPI) -- An 8-foot alligator that bit the trapper trying to catch it paid for its act with its life when a Florida sheriff's deputy shot it, wildlife officials said.
Gary Morse of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said the alligator grabbed John Wilson's ankle Wednesday evening and could not be induced to let go The St. Petersburg Times reported. Wilson was taken to Brandon Regional Medical Center.
Wilson, a professional trapper, was called to the scene after the alligator was reported in a roadway in Palm River in Hillsborough County. Morse said the sheriff's deputy feared the alligator would inflict a fatal injury.
"This is uncommon. These guys are generally pretty good at trapping alligators. They're experts, but even experts can get bit sometimes," Morse said.
