Florida woman swimming in river killed in rare alligator attack at state forest
A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack in a Florida river, the incident occurred in a state forest. Two alligators were captured and euthanized.
Details of the Rare Attack
On Sunday, a rare and tragic alligator attack took place in Seminole County's Little Big Econ State Forest, about 25 miles northeast of Orlando. The victim, a 31-year-old woman from Orlando, was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River when an alligator attacked. Her boyfriend, who witnessed the incident, desperately tried to free her from the predator's jaws, but she succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital. According to a 911 call recording obtained by local NBC affiliate WESH, the victim had one arm completely severed and the other dislocated.
Response and Investigation
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) described the incident as an "incredibly tragic event" during a Monday briefing. Officials removed and euthanized two alligators, measuring 12 and 13 feet respectively, from the river. The animals were sent for DNA testing to confirm their involvement. FWC public information officer Chad Weber said the couple was hiking and stopped to swim in about 3 feet of water. "It doesn't seem they were doing anything malicious," he added.
Alligator Attack Statistics
Such attacks are rare in Florida. According to the FWC, the state is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, but on average only about eight unprovoked bites are reported annually. Since 1948, only 26 fatalities have been recorded. Earlier in June marked the 10th anniversary of one of the most prominent attacks, where a two-year-old boy was snatched by an alligator at Walt Disney World resort.
Other Recent Incidents
Sunday's attack came 24 hours after a boy fishing with his father was bitten on the hand in Marion County, about 65 miles west. The boy was not seriously hurt, and an 8-foot-7-inch alligator was removed and killed. A week earlier, an 8-foot-3-inch alligator was removed from the Rainbow River in Dunnellon after biting a snorkeler, who was later discharged from the hospital.
Safety Warning
Weber reminded that anyone near water in Florida must be aware of alligator presence and dangers. "We have alligators in all 67 counties. Every body of water could have the potential to have an alligator. There is some risk when you swim," he said. Possible reasons for the attack include low water levels due to a prolonged drought and the end of mating season, making alligators more territorial. The investigation is ongoing.
