Aggressive large alligator prompts closure of Marion County river to public

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County Parks and Recreation has suspended swimming, tubing, diving and paddle boarding on the Rainbow River at KP Hole Park in Dunnellon.

The river is closed to the public following reports of a large alligator upriver that has shown aggressive behavior, officials said.

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Witnesses described the alligator as being 8 feet long one mile away from the swimming area.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has brought in a trapper to capture the aggressive alligator.

Park officials said they’ll still allow kayaking and canoeing.

"We always come here almost like every day.  Every day we come here to swim, we love it here,” said a swimmer.

Some took their chances and jumped in the water anyways. They were quickly kicked out by park officials.

Officials will let the public know when the suspension will be lifted by posting the information online and on Facebook.

Contact Myrt Price for more on this story.

Cox Media Group