By
Associated Press
Published: Sat, May 10, 2008 - 2:01 pm
Last Updated: Sat, May 10, 2008 - 2:10 pm
Last Updated: Sat, May 10, 2008 - 2:10 pm
pelican slammed into her face while she was swimming in the Gulf of
Mexico.
Debbie Shoemaker of Toledo, Ohio, was swimming Thursday near
Treasure Island, a beach community west of St. Petersburg, when she
felt something hit her face.
The bird's large beak ripped through her cheek, requiring 25
stitches.
The 50-year-old housecleaner, who vacations in Florida about
twice a year, returned home Friday.
Nature has collided with humans in Florida - alligators, fish
and even stingrays have caused injuries or deaths - but local
officials say they've never heard of a pelican hitting someone with
so much force.
An expert surmises the bird was likely diving for fish and hit
Shoemaker by accident. The pelican died.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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