An 11-year-old boy survived a violent attack by an alligator in Florida, but suffered the amputation of one of his hands after the animal bit him while he was fishing with his family.

Brodie Terry, a Pennsylvania resident and baseball fan, was attacked on June 27 at Nelson's Fish Camp in Marion County, Florida, while trying to return a fish to the water, WKMG reported.

The alligator, which measured approximately eight feet and seven inches, caught the child's hand in its jaws, prompting a desperate reaction from his father to try to rescue him.

The father jumped into the water to try to free the child

During the attack, Brodie's father dove into the water and tried to open the animal's mouth to free his son.

However, during the rescue attempt, the alligator performed a turn known as a “death roll,” a maneuver that these animals use to subdue and tear apart their prey.

That move ended up causing Brodie to lose his hand.

Doctors tried to save his limb, but it was amputated

After the attack, the minor was taken to receive medical attention. Doctors tried to save the hand, but ultimately had to amputate it.

Brodie was released from the hospital on Friday and returned to Pennsylvania, where he continues his recovery with his family.

His relatives indicated that the incident changed his life, but stressed that the boy maintains his passions for fishing, baseball and soccer while he faces the process of adapting to his new circumstances.

“The tragic accident not only changed Brodie's life, but also placed an enormous burden on his family as they deal with the consequences,” the family said in a support campaign.

Authorities euthanized the alligator involved in the attack

The alligator responsible for the attack was located and euthanized by Florida wildlife officials.

The state is home to approximately 1.3 million alligators and has recorded hundreds of attacks since 1948, although a much smaller number have resulted in fatalities.

The attack on Brodie occurred just a day before another person died in Florida after a similar incident.

Brittany Clark, a hiker, died after an alligator attacked her in the Econlockhatchee River, within the Little Big Econ State Forest natural area. The authorities indicated that he died as a result of serious injuries to his upper extremities.

Florida remains alert for encounters with alligators

Wildlife authorities have warned for years about the risks of approaching these animals, especially in areas where they inhabit natural bodies of water.

Experts recommend keeping your distance from alligators, avoiding feeding them, and taking extreme precautions during recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, or walks near lakes and rivers.