Florida Alligator Safety Warnings
Florida Woman Killed by Alligator as Officials Detail Safety Advice Amid Rising Incidents
A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attacked her while she swam in the Econlockhatchee River near Geneva, Florida, on June 28, WFTV reported. Her death was one of three alligator attacks in Florida in a single week — a cluster that has prompted urgent warnings from wildlife officials.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission extended its "deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim," Tampa Bay Times reported. The Barr Street Trailhead, where the attack occurred, remains closed as nuisance trappers work to locate the alligator.
Three Attacks in Seven Days Rattle Central Florida
The deadly week began on June 21, when an alligator bit a male snorkeler in the Rainbow River in Marion County. The alligator measured 8 feet 3 inches and was euthanized after the attack, according to WFTV. The victim was treated at a local hospital and released.
Six days later, on June 27, a child was bitten on the hand while fishing at Nelson Fish Camp in Umatilla. An 8-foot-7-inch alligator was identified as the attacker and euthanized by FWC officers, Tampa Bay Times reported. Then came the fatal attack on June 28, at roughly 1:30 PM, in the dark, murky waters of the Little Econ River.
Mating Season Makes Florida's 1.3 Million Alligators More Dangerous
Florida is home to roughly 1.3 million alligators across all 67 counties. June marks the peak of mating season, which starts in April. During this time, male alligators move more aggressively to defend territory and find mates, according to WKMG.
Licensed alligator hunting guide Kevin Brotz warned the public to stay alert near shorelines. "Stay a few feet off the water's edge," Brotz told WKMG. "That's where bad things can happen." Local fisherman Leo Estupinan told WFTV he had seen 12-foot alligators in the Little Econ River, adding that the dark water makes it easy for swimmers to be caught off guard.
500 Bites and 33 Deaths Recorded Since Florida Began Tracking in 1948
Florida has recorded 509 unprovoked alligator bites and 33 fatalities since tracking began in 1948, according to WFTV. The most recent fatal attack before June 28 happened in May 2025, when a woman died after an alligator tipped her canoe on Lake Kissimmee. Despite the recent cluster, wildlife officials say the odds of a serious unprovoked attack are 1 in 3.1 million for Florida residents.
As Florida's population grows and housing developments push closer to wetlands, alligators are losing their fear of humans — often because people feed them illegally. The FWC's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program removes 7,000 to 8,000 alligators each year. Residents can call 866-FWC-GATOR to report a nuisance alligator in their area.
How to Stay Safe Near Florida's Waterways This Summer
Wildlife officials have issued clear safety guidelines in the wake of this week's attacks. Never swim in freshwater rivers or lakes at dusk, at night, or at dawn — alligators are most active during those hours. Stick to designated swimming areas during daylight only, Naples News reported.
Keep pets away from the water's edge, since small animals can attract alligators. Never feed an alligator — it is illegal in Florida and causes the animal to lose its natural fear of humans. If you see an alligator acting aggressively or near a populated area, call the FWC nuisance hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR rather than approaching it yourself.
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