Alligator
(IN PHOTO) An alligator lies on the bank in the Pantanal wetlands near in Pocone outside World Cup host city Cuiaba June 22, 2014. On days between World Cup games, Pantanal - the planet's largest wetlands and almost as big as Britain - draws fans from around the world who have come to the host city of Cuiaba, located in the exact geographical center of South America. In lobbying World Cup organizers FIFA for host city status, Cuiaba and the Brazilian government touted the wildlife - an estimated 1,000 bird species, 300 mammals and 9,000 invertebrates - they could show tourists on their doorstep. They hope the exposure during the high-profile tournament puts Pantanal on people's travel wish-lists for years to come. Picture taken June 22. Reuters

Not heeding warning signs proved to be fatal for a 28-year-old man who was attacked by an alligator in Orange, Texas on Friday morning. There was a “No Swimming: Alligators” sign posted at the Bukart Marina, plus verbal warnings, but the man opted not to obey.

Tommy Woodward went for a late-night dip after he and a female companion left the marina bar. After he jumped into the water, the gator attacked. When the man screamed, the woman jumped into the water to help him, according to Justice of the Peace Rodney Price, reports KFDM.

But she failed to help him. Hours after the incident, a Texas game warden and deputies of the Orange County found the victim’s body near where the 11-foot long gator attacked him, reports the New York Daily News. His arm from the elbow down was missing and he had chest puncture wounds.

The unidentified owner of the marina said that Woodward often swims in the bayou, which is found in the 1800 block of Mississippi, but in his past swims nothing happened to him, reports WFAA. The reptile hit Woodward while swimming and dragged him under.

Mike Boone, a Parks and Wildlife warden for 23 years, said the gator attack on Woodward was extremely rare. He said the incident and another alligator attack on Sunday in Chambers County are the only two on civilians. However, gator farmers and game wardens have previously been bitten by the reptile, but they have accepted these attacks as part of their work.

To contact the writer, email: vittoriohernandez@yahoo.com

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