SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A 37-year-old woman was in surgery Monday in hopes of repairing some of the damage done after an alligator bit her arm off.
Rachael Lilienthal was swimming in the Wekiva River Saturday when an alligator attacked her and bit off her arm.
Witnesses said they saw Lilenthal swimming and then noticed the alligator move toward her. They said she began screaming for help.
Casey Spencer told Channel 9 that he and his girlfriend were kayaking nearby and rushed to help Lilenthal escape the gator.
Photos: Woman attacked by alligator in Wekiva River
"The gator is not moving, just looking at me. (Lilenthal's) looking at me saying, 'Please help me.' My girlfriend is freaking out, asking everybody for help, so my initial response is to start hitting (the gator) with the paddle, trying to hit its eyes," Spencer said.
Lilienthal's arm was torn off above her elbow, and she was also bitten on her back and her abdomen, according to officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Lilienthal was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she underwent surgery.
Sunday morning, Wekiva Island officials announced that FWC trappers had captured the 8 foot 9 inch alligator around midnight after setting bait traps.
The attack happened in a remote part of the river, near Wekiva Island.
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