A trapper on Sunday captured a 5 1/2-foot alligator thought to be responsible for biting an Apopka man in the head last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.
Trapper Terry Parlier captured the alligator at Kelly Park near Apopka, about 50 yards from where Michael Diaz Jr. was snorkeling Thursday.
Diaz was bitten at Rock Springs Run in Kelly Park and later received 33 stitches.
“Based on the size of the alligator and where it was caught, we think it is likely the one that bit Diaz,” Joy Hill, a commission spokeswoman, said. “However, the trapper will leave baited hooks out for tonight and check them Monday morning as an extra precaution.”
Management at Kelly Park planned to meet Monday to determine when the park will reopen to swimming.
It has been closed since the attack.
