Incident Overview

In a tragic incident on Tuesday afternoon in Lake Wales, Florida, a woman lost her life following an alligator attack while canoeing on Lake Kissimmee, located south of Orlando. She was with her husband at the time of the event.

Details of the Attack

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that the woman fell into the water after encountering an alligator near the mouth of Tiger Creek. She was later retrieved from the water by authorities and pronounced dead.

It was revealed that the woman’s husband attempted to defend her from the alligator. A transmission from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office noted the urgency of the situation, stating, “Gator grabbed her out of the canoe,” highlighting the immediate danger they faced.

Emergency Response

Local authorities, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s marine units, actively participated in the search and recovery efforts. The FWC has since dispatched a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to the area for further assessment and measures.

Safety Precautions and Advice

While serious alligator injuries are uncommon in Florida, the FWC emphasizes the importance of safety around these creatures. Residents and visitors are advised to observe the following guidelines:

• Maintain a safe distance from alligators.
• Keep pets leashed and away from the water’s edge, as their movements can resemble prey.
• Only swim in designated areas during daylight hours without pets, as alligators are most active from dusk until dawn.
• Avoid feeding alligators, as this behavior can make them dangerous by associating humans with food, leading to them becoming nuisances.