Florida Mom Loses Arm in Alligator Attack
Dina Spann, a 58‑year‑old retired Florida resident, suffered severe injuries after a 9‑foot alligator attacked her while boating on the Silver River. She lost a portion of her right arm and part of a finger on her left hand, but remains upbeat about her recovery. The incident highlights the dangers…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On August 8, 2026, Dina Spann, a 58‑year‑old retired resident of Marion County, Florida, experienced a life‑changing incident on the Silver River. While on a family boating trip, a 9‑foot‑8‑inch alligator lunged at her, inflicting severe injuries that left her with a partial amputation of her right arm and the loss of part of her left ring finger.
What Happened?
Spann was swimming with her family when the alligator attacked. According to her son, Zach Guerrina, the animal seized her right forearm, causing a catastrophic loss of tissue. The gator also bit her left hand, resulting in the removal of half of her ring finger. The attack left her arm hanging by a thin thread of skin, a scene captured in a video that Spann later posted to Facebook.
Emergency responders arrived quickly. Bystanders used her bikini top and a rope as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding. Medical professionals treated her wounds in the hospital, where she underwent surgery that ultimately required the removal of the damaged portion of her arm below the elbow.
Immediate Response and Recovery
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) trappers were called to the scene the next day. They removed the alligator from the Silver River, allowing the waterway to reopen to the public. Spann’s recovery has been a mix of physical challenges and mental resilience. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote, “Recovery isn’t always pretty, but I’m learning to laugh through the hard parts and celebrate every little victory.” She shared a video showing her bandaged arm and the missing finger, underscoring her determination to move forward.
Spann’s son, Zach, emphasized that his mother was not a passive victim. He recalled her fighting back, trying to keep the alligator’s mouth shut and swimming toward the surface to breathe. “She wasn’t just letting it happen,” he said. “She was trying to hold its mouth shut, swimming to the top to get a breath of fresh air and keep it from biting on her legs.”
Context: Alligator Attacks in Florida
Florida’s waterways are home to a large population of alligators, many of whom live in or near human habitats. While most of these reptiles are shy, incidents of aggression have increased in recent years, often linked to human encroachment, feeding, or attempts to pet the animals. The Silver River, located in Marion County, is one of several sites where alligator encounters have been reported.
Recent incidents in the state include the fatal attack on hiker Brittany Clark in June 2026, when a 13‑foot alligator bit her while she was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River. Earlier that month, an 11‑year‑old boy lost his hand after a gator bit him during a fishing trip. In June, Brodie Terry was attacked by an 8‑foot‑7‑inch alligator in Marion County while attempting to release a fish back into the water. These events underscore the growing risk posed by alligators in recreational waterways.
What’s Next for Spann?
Spann has expressed optimism about her future. She is working closely with physical therapists to regain strength in her arm and adapt to the loss of her finger. Her social media posts suggest a focus on celebrating small milestones, such as regaining the ability to hold objects or walking without assistance. While the long‑term prognosis for her full functional recovery remains uncertain, Spann’s positive outlook provides hope for others facing similar challenges.
Meanwhile, the FWC continues to monitor alligator populations and enforce safety guidelines to prevent future incidents. Public education campaigns emphasize staying away from alligator habitats, avoiding feeding or touching the reptiles, and reporting suspicious behavior to authorities.
Key facts
- Alligator attacks are on the rise in Florida.
- Dina Spann lost part of her arm and a finger in a 9‑foot attack.
- Emergency responders used improvised tourniquets to control bleeding.
- FWC removed the alligator and reopened the river.
- Spann remains optimistic and focuses on recovery milestones.
Why it matters
Spann’s story highlights the increasing risk of alligator attacks in Florida’s waterways and underscores the importance of public awareness and wildlife safety measures.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I encounter an alligator?
Keep a safe distance, do not feed or approach, and report sightings to local wildlife authorities.
Can alligators be safely kept as pets?
No. They are dangerous and require specialized care that most owners cannot provide.
How can I protect my family from alligator attacks?
Avoid swimming in known alligator habitats, stay in designated safe areas, and educate children about wildlife safety.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Florida alligator attack victim shares surprising update on her gruesome injuries: ‘Gator got a piece of me’”
