Florida man who lost hand charged with feeding alligator

A MAN that lost his hand feeding an alligator now faces charges of illegally feeding the animal.

As if losing his hand to the alligator wasn't enough, Florida man Wallace Weatherholt has to front a court for a misdemeanor.

The 63-year-old allegedly dangled fish in front of the 2.7-metre alligator that led to the charges (and the loss of his hand!).

Weatherholt, an airboat captain, was attacked on June 12 while he was giving an Indiana family a tour of the Everglades.

Fox News reports that Collier County Jail records show Weatherholt was charged on Friday with unlawful feeding of an alligator and later posted a $1000 bond.

His next court date is August 22.

Weatherholt's hand was found but could not be reattached.

The alligator was tracked down and euthanised by wildlife officers - giving new meaning to the saying ''never bite the hand that feeds you''.