Alligator Caught After Biting Off Part of Florida Woman's Arm

— -- A woman lost part of her arm when it was bitten off by an alligator while she was swimming in a river in central Florida.

Rachael Lilienthal was swimming in the Wekiva River on Saturday when an alligator attacked her, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). She was bitten at least twice and her right arm was severed above the elbow.

Kayakers came to Lilienthal's aid, the FWC said. When one of the kayakers hit the alligator with a paddle, it released her from its grasp.

Lilienthal, 37, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment. The FWC did not release her condition.

The alligator was caught and euthanized around 12:30 a.m. today, the FWC said. The gator was 8 feet 9 inches long and weighed about 300 to 350 pounds.