Shark bites fisherman's hand at Florida's Everglades National Park in 'uncommon' encounter: NPS
EVERGLADES CITY, Fla. - A man was bitten by a shark at Florida Everglades National Park over the weekend in what officials are calling an "uncommon" occurrence.
The incident happened Friday morning, Everglades officials said in a statement. While fishing from a boat in Florida Bay, a man was washing his hands in the water when he was bitten in the hand by an unknown species of shark.
He was treated by EMTs at the Flamingo Marina and was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The Everglades said in a statement that shark bites are "extremely uncommon" in the area, but they always recommend visitors take caution around park wildlife.
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As seen in videos making the rounds on social media, the man seemingly leaned over the edge of the boat to rinse his hands when a shark yanked him into the water. FOX 35 News is working to obtain the video.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said on its website that shark bites are "extremely unlikely" and considered to be rare, but that there are steps people can take to reduce the odds of being bitten by a shark while swimming:
- Swim in groups vs. by yourself
- Do not wander too far from shore-this isolates an individual and places him or her far away from assistance.
- Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating
- Avoid wearing shiny jewelry