Missing Girl Found Alive in Alligator-Filled Swamp

Nadia Bloom is covered in mosquito bites—a welcome reality, considering what the 11-year-old could have been bitten by in an alligator-infested Florida swamp. Bloom, who is believed to have a mild form of autism, disappeared from her Winter Springs neighborhood 5 days ago and was found today.

Searchers were acting on a tip from Nadia's sister that she might have set out on an adventure inspired by a book she was reading, reports WESH 2. The pastor of her church says searchers prayed to God that they would find her, then walked straight into the swamp and did just that. She was discovered waist-deep in a densely wooded area, and was carried out by 15 deputies. She's tired and hungry but in good shape, notes MSNBC.
(More Nadia Bloom stories.)