Alligator attacks teen swimming in Central Florida river

Andrew Hudson, 17, suffers puncture wounds to head, back

GENEVA, Fla. – State wildlife agents will try to capture and kill an alligator that attacked a teen swimming in the Little Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, officials said.

[PHOTOS:  Teen attacked by alligator at Little Big Econ State Forest]

Andrew Hudson, 17, of Winter Springs, suffered puncture wounds to his head and back Monday afternoon when the alligator, estimated to be 10 feet long, snapped down on his head.

Hudson was swimming with some friends at the Little Big Econ State Forest near Geneva when he kicked what he thought was a log in the water.  The object was actually an alligator and it came up behind Hudson and pulled him underwater.

"He basically took me under right after it happened," Hudson explained, showing us how he fought off the creature. "I started elbowing and fighting to get away.  I found out it was a gator and basically went crazy trying everything I could to get away."

The alligator loosened its grip, and Hudson says he swam as fast as he could to escape the alligator.

When he got to shore, blood was running from the top of his head. Hudson wrapped his shorts around his head to stop the bleeding.

Hudson said he knew that alligators live in the river, but he decided to go swimming anyway.

"I've been going there since I was in middle school," he said.  "I just never thought something like this would happen."

He was treated at South Seminole Hospital and later was released.

He shared photos with Local 6 that show stitches on his forehead and scratches on this head and back.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said on Tuesday that a nuisance alligator trapper will attempt to capture, remove and harvest the alligator.

Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.

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Andrew Hudson.


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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