HOA Alligator Attack Hospitalizes Woman in Florida HOA

An HOA alligator attack has recently occurred in a gated retirement community in Bradenton, Florida. The attack resulted in the hospitalization of a resident.

A Dangerous Stroll

Kathleen Marder, 77, was on an evening stroll through the Del Webb retirement community when, suddenly, an alligator emerged. The alligator charged at Marder, injuring her. The 77-year-old resident called out for help, a cry that a neighbor answered. The neighbor, who wishes to remain anonymous, was in his swimming pool in his backyard when he heard Marder’s cries.

It is unclear whether the 7-foot, 10-inch alligator came out from the retention pond or emerged from the bushes of a conservation area nearby. Marder’s neighbor was able to scare the beast away by yelling. Emergency responders with the East Manatee Fire Rescue were the first to arrive after neighbors contacted 911.

Marder, who was initially taken to a hospital in the Sarasota area, was flown to Tampa General Hospital to receive treatment.

Meanwhile, in Del Webb, wildlife officers lured the alligator out from the retention pond. They then proceeded to capture the alligator and subsequently euthanized it.

Residents Urged to Be Vigilant

The board of directors of the Del Webb retirement community sent out a memo to residents following the attack. The memo reminded residents to be aware of any alligators in their surroundings and to be extremely cautious when faced with a dangerous animal.

Once the hospital discharges Marder, her neighbors are ready to care for her. According to Gordon Silver, a resident of the community and a retired paramedic, Del Webb’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative will help Marder re-adjust to the neighborhood. The program sees neighbors taking care of those who have medical conditions or have suffered injuries.

Retention Ponds Common in Del Webb

The Del Webb community is peppered with retention ponds, so it is not entirely unheard of to encounter wild animals. One resident even nicknamed an alligator, “Wally,” who is presumably the one who attacked Marder. Another bears the nickname, “Three-Legged Pete.”

The residents and alligators have largely co-existed peacefully in the neighborhood. The HOA alligator attack on Marder is the first of its kind in the gated community.