Alligators injure three, one fatally, in string of attacks in Florida
Last week, several people in central Florida were attacked by alligators; In the latest attack, a 31-year-old woman lost her life.
Serious encounters with alligators are relatively rare, but there have been three attacks in the past seven days, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data. The two came within 24 hours of each other, according to CNN affiliate WESH.
The victim in the latest attack stopped swimming with her boyfriend and friend in the Econlockhatchee River just north of Orlando on Sunday afternoon when the alligator bit her, FWC said in a press briefing.
Her boyfriend tried to pull her out of the alligator’s mouth, authorities said.
The 911 caller described the woman’s injuries as “horrific.” The woman, who was bitten on both arms, died after being taken to hospital.
FWC officials captured a 13-foot alligator at the scene and a 12-foot alligator nearby, saying both may have been responsible for the attack.
“I’ve seen some really big crocodiles here. But I’ve never heard of an attack,” said hiker Leia Vieira. WESH.
Twenty-four hours ago, a boy fishing with his father at Nelson Fish Camp in Marion County was bitten on the hand. WESH reported.
A. snorkeler He was bitten June 21 in the Rainbow River in the same area — about 100 miles away from Sunday’s deadly attack in Seminole County.
Authorities temporarily closed the river after the initial attack before wildlife officials found and removed the crocodile. Marion County Sheriff’s office.
Authorities captured and euthanized the 8-foot, 7-inch alligator that bit the young boy, according to WESH.
The entrance to the Barr Street Trailhead was closed after an Orlando woman was attacked by an alligator in the Little Big Econ State Forest. – WESH
How common are alligator bites?
Although Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, attacks on humans are rare.
According to the report, there are an average of eight unprovoked bites in the state each year. FWC, An organization that operates a statewide program to address complaints about certain alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets, or property.
More than 450 alligator attacks have been recorded in Florida since 1948, and only 30 of them resulted in death.
state last year recorded 13 crocodile attacks, including two deaths. 8 of the attacks resulted in serious injuries and 5 resulted in minor injuries.
A. to work A study by researchers from the University of Florida and Center College in Kentucky found that low-risk activities, such as walking near water or staying on land, rarely resulted in attacks.
The highest number of fatal attacks occurred after high-risk behavior, including deliberately entering waterways where crocodiles are known to be present, the study found.
D., a professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Florida and one of the study’s authors. Frank Mazzotti said when the findings were published last year: “Situational awareness and informed choices, particularly during recreational activities in crocodile country, can help protect both people and wildlife.”
“Many bites could be prevented if people were aware of their surroundings and minimized risky behavior,” Mazzotti said.
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