Boatman who lost hand to alligator faces court action

Sunday 29 July 2012 21:38 BST

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A boat captain whose hand was bitten off by a 9ft alligator has been charged with unlawfully feeding the reptile.

Wallace Weatherholt was giving holidaymakers a tour of the Everglades, in Florida, when it attacked. A family from Indiana, who were on the boat, alleged that the 63-year-old had hung a fish over the side when his hand, which was at water level, was bitten off. It was found later but could not be reattached.

Mr Weatherholt has been charged with the unlawful feeding of an alligator and released on a $1,000 (£635) bond from Collier County Jail.

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Boatman who lost hand to alligator faces court action

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