ORLANDO, FL – Wildlife officials are urging extreme caution around local waterways after three separate alligator attacks—one of them fatal—were reported across Central Florida within a seven-day span.
Fatal Attack in the Econlockhatchee River
The deadliest incident occurred on Sunday, June 28, in Seminole County. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), an unidentified woman was swimming with friends in the Econlockhatchee River when an alligator bit her.
Emergency crews rushed her to a nearby hospital, but she later succumbed to her injuries. The FWC has launched a full investigation into the tragic incident.
Child Bitten While Fishing
Just one day prior, on Saturday, June 27, a juvenile was attacked while fishing from the shoreline at Nelson Fish Camp in Marion County.
The alligator bit the child on the hand. Responding officers managed to capture the 8-foot alligator involved, and the child was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Third Incident at Rainbow River
These back-to-back weekend attacks followed an earlier incident on Sunday, June 21, in Marion County. A man was recreating on the Rainbow River when he came into contact with an alligator and was bitten.
- Status: The victim survived the encounter and has been released from the hospital.
- Action Taken: A contracted nuisance alligator trapper located and successfully removed the reptile from the river.
FWC Safety Advisory
With peak summer activity underway, the FWC reminds residents and visitors to swim only during daylight hours, stay within designated swimming areas, and never feed wild alligators.
