Alligator attacks teen swimming in central Florida river

17-year-old suffers puncture wounds to head, back

GENEVA, Fla. – A teenager swimming in the Little Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County suffered puncture wounds to his head and back when he was attacked by an alligator, officials said.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Andrew Hudson, 17, of Winter Springs, was bitten Monday afternoon by an alligator estimated to be 10 feet long.

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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 jerked him underwater.

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 had not seen any prior to being attacked.

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