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11-year-old Pennsylvania boy loses hand in Florida alligator attack while fishing with father, officials say
By Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami
· July 7, 2026
· 2 min read
An 11-year-old Pennsylvania boy is back home recovering after losing his hand in an alligator attack in Florida last month, according to officials.One of the boy's family members said he had just caught a fish with his dad before the alligator attacked."Brody's father jumped into the water on top of
Key takeaway "Brody's father jumped into the water on top of the gator and tried to pry its mouth open," relative Andrew Raines said.
Why this matters in The Miami
The recent alligator attacks in central Florida serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with living in a region where humans and wildlife coexist. While Miami is not directly affected by these incidents, the city's proximity to natural areas and waterways means that residents should be aware of the potential dangers posed by alligators. As the region experiences more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes and flooding, the likelihood of encounters between humans and wildlife may increase. In Miami, this is particularly relevant in areas like the Everglades, where alligators are known to inhabit. The fact that these attacks occurred in freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers, highlights the need for caution when engaging in outdoor activities like fishing or swimming in these areas. As Miami-Dade County continues to grow and develop, it is crucial to balance urbanization with wildlife conservation and education to minimize the risk of such incidents occurring locally.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: weather ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An 11-year-old Pennsylvania boy is back home recovering after losing his hand in an alligator attack in Florida last month, according to officials.One of the boy's family members said he had just caught a fish with his dad before the alligator attacked."Brody's father jumped into the water on top of
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more weather coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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