Photo: WPEC
A Florida man was seriously injured Monday morning after he was bit by an alligator.
According to the Martin County Sheriff Office, the incident happened around 11 AM at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Robert Bassett of Palm City fell off his bike and landed in a nearby stream where he was bitten by the eight-and-a-half feet long alligator.
According to the trapper who removed the gator, the bicyclist slipped off the trail, causing him to fall down a six-foot embankment into a creek. The trapper believes the bicyclist landed on top of, or near the alligator, which prompted the attack. The trapper also believes the female alligator likely had a nest of babies or eggs nearby.
Bassett sustained non-life-threatening injuries, two to three bite wounds to his back and leg.
The sheriff's office said Bassett crawled to an area where a bystander helped him.
The gator was relocated, and Bassett is in serious condition at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.