A woman was attacked and killed by an alligator on Tuesday afternoon at Lake Kissimmee State Park in central Florida.
Witnesses alerted authorities just before 4 PM about the incident involving the reptile.
Footage from the scene showed law enforcement using boats and helicopters to respond and search for the alligator.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated that preliminary reports indicate the woman was canoeing when she encountered the alligator and entered the water. She was later recovered and pronounced dead.
Lake Kissimmee, covering around 35,000 acres in Polk and Osceola counties, is notable for having a high concentration of alligators.
According to the FWC, about 1.3 million alligators inhabit 67 counties in Florida.
State records indicate that, since 1948, there have been fewer than 500 reported alligator bites involving humans.
Research from University of Florida experts revealed that over 90% of documented incidents involved some level of human negligence or risky behavior before the attack.
This latest incident coincides with the peak alligator mating season, a time when these creatures tend to be more active and territorial.
Moreover, ongoing drought conditions might be pushing some alligators from their usual habitats.
Experts recommend that outdoor enthusiasts approach wetland areas with caution, likening it to hiking in bear country or swimming in waters populated by sharks.
As of Tuesday evening, authorities had not confirmed if any alligators were located. A contracted alligator trapper has been called to help search the area.
