COCOA BEACH, Fla. -- Despite the doubts of Brevard County beach officials, a surgeon said a young girl was definitely bit by a shark at Cocoa Beach.

Video

Shark Bites Child's Foot In Brevard

Tori Lawrence, 11, was pulled underwater by a shark and bitten on the foot Monday. She is visiting the area for spring break with her family from Illinois.

Brevard County Chief Lifeguard Wyatt Werneth wasn't sure that Lawrence was a shark bite victim.

"This isn't shark season right now, so that makes me skeptical. Also, the fact that it was on the lower foot -- sharks don't normally go for the sand unless she was on an apparatus floating, but you never know," Werneth said.

Lawrence's brother pulled her out of the water, and a nurse vacationing from Indiana, Stacey Buser, began first aid while rescuers were summoned.

"You could see ligaments, tendons, and part of the bone across the ankle. [There were] bite marks down right below the toes. She'll probably need surgery," Buser said.

Lawrence was flown by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center where she's in good condition, officials said.

To comment on this story, send an e-mail to Cyndy Russell.

Additional Resource:

All About Sharks