A fatal alligator attack occurred late yesterday afternoon on Lake Kissimmee, near the mouth of Tiger Creek. The victim, a woman, was in the company of a male companion at the time of the incident.
Emergency services were promptly alerted and responded swiftly. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office deployed a helicopter, while officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set out on boats. The helicopter crew located the woman’s body floating in the water, which was subsequently retrieved by FWC officers. Regrettably, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The details surrounding the attack remain uncertain. The identities of the individuals involved have not been released by the authorities, and the reasons behind the attack are still under investigation. The FWC, in collaboration with biologists, will examine the factors that contributed to the incident. The official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
As the investigation continues, efforts to locate the alligator involved are ongoing. Reports of gunshots in the area suggest attempts to find and capture the reptile. Statewide nuisance alligator trappers have been enlisted to assist in the search, a tactic reminiscent of a previous incident in March when a kayaker was bitten in the same area.
Once the alligator is captured, it will be sent to the FWC for examination to determine if any human remains or clothing are present in its stomach. This analysis will be a critical component of the ongoing investigation.
The unfortunate incident has heightened concerns about alligator encounters in the region, underscoring the need for ongoing caution and safety measures around Florida’s waterways.