Diving Pelican Leaves Swimmer in Stitches

Big bird after fish cuts sunbather's face
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted May 11, 2008 5:46 AM CDT

A swimmer in Florida needed 20 stitches to her face after a pelican diving for a fish slammed into her. The big bird died in the collision near Tampa. "It was like I got punched in the face, super hard. Blood was gushing out," said the Ohio housecleaner who was on vacation. It was the first known case of such an encounter, officials said. Pelicans weigh as much as 30 pounds and dive from heights of 70 feet. (More Florida stories.)

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