Man falls off bike into water, gets bitten by alligator at Halpatiokee Park

Stuart, Fl (treasurecoast.com) -A man was seriously injured Monday morning when he was bit by an alligator, believed to be about eight-and-a-half feet long.

The Martin County Sheriff Office said it happened around 11 a.m. at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Robert Bassett of Palm City fell off his bike and and landed in a stream where he was bitten by an alligator.

The man was riding his bike on a trail at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart around 11:00am, when he lost control of his bike and fell into a body of water about six feet down an embankment. The female gator, which measured about 9-feet, grabbed ahold of the man severely injuring him.

The cyclist was able to break free then crawl to an area where he was assisted by a bystander. Martin County Fire Rescue, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Officers rendered aid and secured the scene then drive the bite victim more than a mile to the park area, where a medical helicopter crew was awaiting.

Trapper John Davidson was able to locate and trap the gator shortly after the incident. FWC Officers are in charge of the investigation.

Bassett is in serious condition at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.