JACKSON (AP) — A trapper mauled by an alligator in Mississippi is recovering from surgery.

The Clarion-Ledger reported Tuesday the 12-foot-long reptile injured licensed alligator trapper Craig Breland on June 25. Officials say he was responding after a vehicle struck and injured the alligator on a Hancock County highway.

State alligator program coordinator Ricky Flynt says Breland was treated and released before recently undergoing tissue removal surgery.

Flynt says authorities contacted Breland, who suffered serious injuries to his chest, shoulder and arm after the gator grabbed and shook him. Breland was able to roll away when the animal released him.