A 61-year-old woman died after being attacked by an alligator while canoeing with her husband on a lake in central Florida, state authorities confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in shallow waters near the mouth of Tiger Creek, where it meets Lake Kissimmee, approximately 70 miles south of Orlando.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the incident occurred shortly after 4:00 PM when the boat carrying the couple passed over a large alligator.
The animal reacted violently, causing the vessel—a canoe about four meters long—to capsize and both occupants to fall into the water, which was approximately 75 centimeters deep.
According to CBS News, Major Evan Laskowski, spokesperson for the FWC, stated that the victim was bitten by the alligator after falling onto it.
The husband tried to intervene to save her, but his efforts were in vain. The woman was later retrieved from the water by rescue teams and pronounced dead at the scene.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with specialized marine units, participated in the search and recovery efforts for the body.
A radio recording of the incident, obtained by the network WKMG, revealed some of the exchanges during the operation. "The alligator pulled her out of the canoe," said an officer. "(Her husband) tried to scare it away. We're at the last place she was seen. She left the paddle here."
That same night, hunters for troublesome alligators were deployed in the area. They captured two reptiles, one of which measured more than 3.3 meters and matched the description of the specimen involved in the attack. The second one measured between three and 3.3 meters.
The authorities have not yet confirmed whether any of them have been definitively identified as responsible and whether they will be sacrificed.
There are discrepancies regarding the exact type of vessel used by those involved. While the sheriff's office indicated it was a kayak, the FWC stated it was a canoe, distinguished by its open hull.
The Polk County Medical Examiner's Office has not commented on the case so far. The FWC indicated that the matter is still under investigation.
Although serious alligator attacks on humans are relatively rare in the state, Florida has an active Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) that allows for the intervention and removal of those specimens that pose a threat to people, pets, or property.
The FWC also reminded of a series of preventive measures to minimize risks in areas where alligators reside: maintain a safe distance if one is spotted, do not allow pets to approach the water, and avoid swimming in unauthorized areas or at night.
Feeding them is prohibited, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and increase their danger.
Lake Kissimmee, where the incident occurred, is known for its wetland ecosystem and its population of alligators, making it an area where precautions must be taken when engaging in recreational activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alligator Attacks in Florida
What happened in the alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee?
A 61-year-old woman died after being attacked by an alligator while canoeing with her husband on Lake Kissimmee, Florida. The boat capsized after passing over an alligator, and the woman was bitten after falling into the water. Despite her husband's efforts to save her, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.
Are alligator attacks common in Florida?
Although serious alligator attacks on humans are relatively infrequent in Florida, these reptiles are an active part of the local ecosystem. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages a program to address alligators that pose a threat to people, helping to maintain safety in populated areas.
What safety measures are recommended in areas with alligators?
The FWC recommends maintaining a safe distance from alligators, not allowing pets near the water, avoiding swimming in unauthorized areas, especially at night, and not feeding alligators, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and increase their danger.
What is being done in Florida to control the alligator population?
Florida has launched the State Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), which allows for the capture and removal of alligators that pose a threat. Additionally, specialized hunters are deployed when there are reports of aggressive alligators or in urbanized areas, helping to minimize risks to the public.
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