Volunteer's arm 'nearly tore' off during tiger attack at Carole Baskin's Big Cat Rescue - NBC News

A volunteer was bitten and seriously injured by a tiger Thursday morning at Big Cat Rescue, the Florida animal sanctuary run by Carole Baskin.

The nonprofit said in a Facebook statement that the volunteer, Candy Couser, had reached her arm into a gate during feeding time when she was attacked by a tiger named Kimba.

The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, which responded to the call, referred questions to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which released a statement only saying the incident is being investigated.

"Carole reminded everyone that this sort of tragedy can happen in the blink of an eye and that we cannot relax our guard for a second around these dangerous cats," Big Cat Rescue said, adding that grief counselors would be available.