The alligator apparently lived in the nearby pond

The alligator, which measured more than 2.4 metres (eight feet) in length, latched on to Helena Kuto's arm as she trimmed the bushes outside her apartment, tearing off the lower part of her arm.

It then attempted to drag her into a nearby pond, however Ms Kuto's neighbour heard her screams and came to her aid.

A police deputy shot the animal and wildlife commission officials then cut open the alligator to retrieve the severed body part.

The arm was then flown to the local hospital where Ms Kuto was being treated and surgery carried out to reattach it.

However a hospital spokeswoman would not say if the operation was successful, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Local news reports said that residents had been warned about the alligator, which apparently lived in the pond.