Two separate alligator attacks occurred over the weekend in Central Florida, resulting in one fatality and one injury. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported that a 31-year-old Orlando woman was killed on Sunday near the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County. This incident followed an attack on Saturday in Marion County where a child sustained injuries after being bitten while fishing.
Seminole County Fatality Investigation
According to the FWC, the fatal attack occurred just one day after the Marion County incident. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and wildlife officials responded to reports of an alligator bite at the Barr Street Trailhead in Little Big Econ State Forest. Investigators determined that the woman was swimming with companions when she was attacked by a gator in approximately three feet of water.
The animal snapped at her arms as her boyfriend attempted to intervene. She was transported to a nearby hospital where she died from her injuries. Her identity has not been released. FWC spokesman Chad Weber stated that the investigation has found no evidence suggesting the victims were acting maliciously toward the alligator. "We are coming into the end of mating season," Weber said, noting that alligators become more territorial during this period.
Murder County Incident and Historical Context
On Saturday, FWC law enforcement responded to a call in Marion County regarding an 8-foot-7-inch alligator that bit a child on the hand. The child was fishing from the shore at Nelson Fish Camp before being taken to a hospital for treatment. An officer euthanized the animal involved.
Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, according to FWC safety guidelines. From 1948 through 2025, there were 346 unprovoked major attacks in Florida, with 32 resulting in death. In 2025 alone, two people were killed and eight suffered major injuries from alligator encounters.
Public Safety Recommendations
The FWC continues to emphasize that serious injuries caused by alligators are rare but warns the public to remain vigilant. Officials recommend keeping a safe distance from wildlife and never feeding them, as this can cause animals to lose their natural wariness of humans.
Residents are advised to swim only in designated areas during daylight hours without pets. Pets should be kept on leashes away from water edges, as they may resemble prey. For concerns regarding nuisance alligators, the public is encouraged to call the FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
