Hands-On Learning: Shark Researcher Bitten by Shark

FIU researcher hospitalized after encounter in Everglades

A Florida International University shark researcher got a little too close to one of his subjects Wednesday during a project in the Everglades, getting bitten by a shark.

Dr. Kirk Gastrich was hospitalized after he was bitten in the arm and elbow areas by a 6-foot Lemon shark while in Everglades National Park, a school official said.

Gastrich was part of a group of researchers who were working at the mouth of Shark River near Cape Sable when they came across the shark.

The group was taking measurements of the shark from a boat when it suddenly snapped at Gastrich.

The other members of the group stabilized him and got him to a nearby marina, where Miami-Dade Fire Air Rescue unit responded and transported him to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

FIU's Director of the School of Environment and Society Dr. Michael Heithaus said Gastrich's injuries are non life threatening.

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