Tragedy on the Water: Woman Fatally Attacked by Alligator While Canoeing
Alligator Fatality in Central Florida
A Central Florida woman lost her life in a terrifying encounter with an alligator while canoeing with her husband on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred near the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee, south of Orlando, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Horrific Encounter
The FWC stated that the woman was canoeing when she unexpectedly came face-to-face with an alligator, causing her to fall into the water. Despite a desperate attempt by her husband to fight off the predator, the alligator dragged her away. Sadly, the woman was later recovered from the lake and pronounced dead.
A chilling radio transmission from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, obtained by CBS affiliate WKMG, revealed the harrowing details of the attack. An officer can be heard saying, “Gator grabbed her out of the canoe. He tried to fight the gator off. We’re at the last place he saw her. He left the paddle here where he last saw her at.”
Rare but Serious
While serious injuries caused by alligators are relatively rare in Florida, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the state’s waterways. The FWC emphasizes the importance of caution when near water bodies inhabited by alligators.
The FWC administers the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), which aims to remove alligators that pose a threat to humans, pets, or property. They encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings and follow safety guidelines when enjoying Florida’s natural environments.
