Gator bites gator handler at Gatorland

[mkt]

Gator bites gator handler at Gatorland
May 7

ORLANDO (AP) -- A handler at Gatorland was bit by an alligator during a wrestling performance Wednesday.

Nathan Sweeting, 27, had non-lifethreatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for stitches, said Michelle Harris, a spokeswoman for the alligator-themed tourist attraction.

Harris said she didn't know where the alligator bit Sweeting.

Sweeting, who has worked at Gatorland for four years, was bitten in the 800-seat arena during an alligator wrestling show.

 

[Epcot is my fav]

OUCH.....that hurts

 

[kal1484]

Shoot, I was hoping it would be that Croc dude, he's just looking to get his head bit off.

 

[Captain Cab]

Alligator Bites Handler's Head During Theme Park Show

A Gatorland theme park and wildlife preserve employee was bitten in the head by an alligator during a show for tourists Wednesday afternoon, according to Local 6 News.

A Gatorland official said that Nathan Sweeting, 27, was bitten in the park's 800-seat arena during an alligator wrestling show.

Local 6 News reported that Sweeting was handling one of the alligators when another animal came up and bit him on the forehead

Witnesses said that Sweeting was "bleeding all over the place," according to Local 6 News.

"You see him grab at his face with his hands with blood dripping, literally dripping between his fingers," witness Andy Szul said. "All he (Sweeting) says is 'sorry folks, no more show today.'"

Orange County Fire Rescue told Local 6 News that the bite caused deep puncture wounds in the Sweeting's head. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center in stable condition.

"Our trainers will go in and grab one of the animals by the tail, hold him and then hop on his back and show (the audience) his teeth," Gatorland CEO Mark McHugh said. "During that grab process -- I'm not exactly sure what happened, I have not had a chance to talk with Nathan yet -- but the animal swung around and hit him with his mouth open."

The gator wrestling show was shut down for the day after the incident.

An internal investigation is currently under way at the park, according to Local 6 News.

Gatorland opened in 1949 and is known internationally as the “Alligator Capital of the World.”

The 110-acre theme park features several different attractions including thousands of alligators and crocodiles.

Gatorland is located at 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, just 8 miles south of the Florida Mall

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

All I have to say is WAY TO GO GATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's his picture: