Story perspectives

Woman Loses Arm in Silver River Alligator Attack; River Reopens

8/10/2026

Summary

Gamache Rescues

A woman lost her arm in an alligator attack on the Silver River in Florida on Aug. 8.
John Gamache rescued the victim and tied a rope tourniquet after scaring the 9-foot-8-inch alligator away.
First responders took her to a hospital.
She was discharged on Sunday and is recovering at home.
After Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers captured the alligator, Marion County reopened the Silver River on Aug. 9.

Summary

Florida Warns

In 2026 Florida recorded four alligator attacks, including a fatal incident.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says injuries are rare but urges swimmers to stay distant, swim in daylight and not feed alligators.
FWC runs the Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) and a 24-hour hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR for reports.
Florida, home to the second-largest alligator population after Louisiana’s three million, keeps Silver Springs State Park open for tours and kayaking.

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Gamache Rescues

A woman lost her arm in an alligator attack on the Silver River in Florida on Aug. 8.
John Gamache rescued the victim and tied a rope tourniquet after scaring the 9-foot-8-inch alligator away.
First responders took her to a hospital.
She was discharged on Sunday and is recovering at home.
After Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers captured the alligator, Marion County reopened the Silver River on Aug. 9.

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