Florida Alligator Attacks Man As He Washed His Hands in Pond

A man is lucky to be alive after a 9-foot-long alligator attacked him as he washed his hands in a pond in Sanibel, Florida.

NBC2 reports the alligator bit the 25-year-old's right arm, but he was able to free himself and call 911.

Sanibel Fire said bystanders made a tourniquet for the man before the medics arrived. He was taken to an area hospital with a serious injury to his right forearm.

(Don't Miss: Season Splits: Do They Help Duck Hunters?)

He's a big guy. He said his arm was hurting pretty good," Sanibel Fire's Division Chief Tim Barrett told Fox4. "But he's a pretty tough old boy. Lost a lot of blood, but he's fine.

A Florida state trapper and Florida Fish and Wildlife officers arrived on the scene and captured the 9-foot, 2-inch alligator and removed it from the property.

Barrett says alligators are common in Florida and warns folks to be careful.

"Pretty much every body of water has an alligator in it, including some swimming pools," Barrett said.

According to Fox4, the alligator that attacked the man will be euthanized.

For more crazy outdoor stories, visit The Realblog and check out Realtree's Facebook page.