Boy, 9, attacked by gator in Osceola County speaks out

Trappers search for 9-foot gator that boy fought off in Lake Toho

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A 9-year-old boy spoke out for the first time on Friday, a day after he was attacked by an alligator in Osceola County.

James Barney told Local 6 he got hot while riding his bike on Thursday afternoon, so he decided to go to Lake Toho to take a swim.

In the water, he said he felt something touch him, and he thought someone was playing with him underwater. Then, the alligator bit down on him.

"I hit it a couple times," James said. "Then it let go a little, and then I finally had enough strength left to pry its jaw open a little."

James says he swam to shore, where his friends called 911.

"I was scared. I didn't know what to do," he said.

He was transported to Arnold Palmer Medical Center in Orlando, where the staff called his father.

"I was freaking out, because they don't tell you much, you know," said James Barney, Sr. "I am at work, so I just called who I could and got here as quickly as possible."

His son had 30 teeth marks across his chest and back and scratch marks from the fight.

Searchers estimate they're looking for a 9 foot alligator that could weigh as much as 500 lbs.

Local 6 asked James if he planned on going back to Lake Toho to swim again.

"Negative," he responded.

Doctors say James should be able to leave the hospital on Sunday after they switch him to oral antibiotics.


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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