Three-legged alligator attacks swimmer in Florida creek GAINESVILLE, Fla. - A three-legged alligator known for swimming in a creek near a homeless camp attacked a swimmer. James Wimmer was in the water on Monday when the 9-foot gator shredded his shoulder and bit his front and back. The Gainesville Sun reports that Wimmer's friend from the homeless camp grabbed a cinder block and threw it at the alligator's head. The block broke in two and the alligator swam away. Wimmer was taken to a hospital. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers responded and shot the alligator.