The Rainbow River has been re-opened to the public once again following a temporary closure on Sunday prompted by an alligator attack on a snorkeler.
According to a brief statement issued by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, June 22, a snorkeler was reportedly bitten by an alligator while traversing the river.
MCSO deputies joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in locating the alligator involved in the incident.
After the creature was located, authorities confirmed that the reptile was safely removed from the area.
The alligator incident is the second notable emergency to occur on a Marion County waterway over the past week.
On Tuesday, June 16, first responders were dispatched to the Silver River after a boat carrying four occupants began rapidly taking on water. That disabled vessel drifted away from the dock at Ray Wayside Park before the boaters were eventually rescued.