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Dead Man Found Floating Near Gator In Lakeland Canal

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TBO Staff Report

Published: May 17, 2008

Updated: 05/17/2008 06:13 pm

LAKELAND - Detectives have recovered a body found floating this morning near an alligator in a canal of Saddle Creek Lake, the sheriff's office reported.

There is no indication of foul play, but the body, described as being between 35 and 50 years old with dark hair, has wounds consistent with alligator bites, said sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Rodgers.

It is unclear if the alligator had any role in the man's death, or whether the wounds are postmortem, Rodgers said.

An autopsy will be performed Sunday.

Two anglers found the body about 7:30 a.m. as they fished near Philip's Bait and Tackle south of U.S. 92. It was floating face down, with an alligator nearby, said Rodgers.

The men called 911 and kept the alligator away from the body until first responders could arrive, Rodgers said.

The location is remote and difficult to reach by land, Rodgers said.

Rodgers said deputies have already contacted Adrian Apgar, the Polk City man who has twice had run-ins with alligators, including one mauling that nearly killed him, in the past 18 months. He is not the victim.

State wildlife officers killed and recovered a female alligator measuring 7 feet 7 inches, said Gary Morse, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Rodgers said both of the victim's arms were missing, but they were not found in the belly of the captured alligator.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 1-800-226-0344, or remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS.

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