GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) -- Authorities say a man was bitten on the leg by a shark as he swam near the Gulf State Park Pier.

The Press-Register reports that the attack happened around mid-morning Wednesday.

The man was treated and released from South Baldwin Regional Medical Center after he received stitches to close his wounds.

Grant Brown, the city's director of cultural affairs and recreation, says the man was in waist-deep water when he spotted the shark.

Purple flags -- which warn swimmers of dangerous marine life -- were posted after the attack. The beaches were not closed.