TITUSVILLE, FL– Officials in Titusville are reporting that a 72-year-old man lost part of his leg after he was attacked by an alligator just outside of his home. 

The incident took place last Friday around 2:00 p.m. near a canal at the Great Outdoors RV and Golf resort. 

Authorities say the victim’s leg was amputated below his right knee and that he was airlifted to the Great Outdoors to the Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne.

While tracking the alligator in the canal where the attack happened, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers noticed an alligator with a human foot in it’s mouth. 

Authorities fatally shot the alligator in order to retrieve the victim’s foot. 

Another smaller alligator was also killed during the retrieval. 

FWC has issued a warning to the public stating that alligators become more active in the Spring and Summer. 

“If you encounter an alligator in your backyard, keep a safe distance. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.”