Man attacked by alligator after falling off bike and landing in Florida stream

An alligator attacked a bicyclist who had lost control and fell into a stream at a Florida park Monday, officials said. The man was seriously injured but managed to escape with the help of bystanders.

The attack occurred at Halpatiokee Regional Park in Stuart, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said. Halpatiokee is a Seminole Indian word meaning "alligator water," according to the county's website. The man, later identified as Robert Bassett of Palm City, was riding a bike when he lost control and fell down an embankment toward the water, officials said. The 9-foot female alligator grabbed the man, but he was eventually able to break free with the help of bystanders.