Woman Killed in Alligator Attack While Canoeing on Lake Kissimmee, Florida

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A woman was killed in an alligator attack while canoeing on Lake Kissimmee, a nearly 35,000-acre lake located about 70 miles south of Orlando, Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported receiving a call regarding the fatal incident around 4 p.m. near the mouth of Tiger Creek.

The victim, who has not been publicly identified, fell into the water after encountering an alligator. Authorities later located her body in the lake. The Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to the emergency call and deployed deputies, a helicopter, and a marine unit to the scene. Initial reports described two individuals kayaking in the area at the time, with one person being attacked.

FWC dispatched a licensed nuisance alligator trapper to the location. Officials have confirmed that further details will be released during a scheduled press briefing on May 7 in Tampa, Florida.

This marks the second alligator attack in the same area within a two-month span. On March 3, another woman was bitten on the elbow in the same section of the creek that links Tiger Lake and Lake Kissimmee. Wildlife officials emphasize increased caution during this time of year, as alligator mating season — beginning in April and continuing through June — makes the animals more aggressive.

Lake Kissimmee is known for its high alligator population. A 2023 survey by the FWC listed it as the fifth most populated lake for alligators in the state, with an estimated 2,065 alligators. Eight lakes in Polk County are among Florida’s top habitats for these reptiles.

The incident coincides with another fatal wildlife encounter in Florida. On May 5, an 89-year-old man and his dog were killed by a black bear in Collier County — the first recorded fatal bear attack in Florida’s history. Wildlife officials are actively working to locate the responsible bear, having already euthanized three for DNA testing.

Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators. While the state has protocols in place for managing threats — including annual alligator hunts and the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) — human behavior remains a significant factor in dangerous encounters. A University of Florida study released in April emphasized that actions such as walking pets near canals or entering known alligator habitats often lead to serious or fatal interactions.

FWC records show that since 1948, there have been 490 documented alligator attacks in Florida, 27 of which were fatal. A "major" bite is defined as one requiring medical attention beyond first aid, with 314 such incidents recorded.

FWC urges residents and visitors to report any potentially dangerous alligator sightings by calling the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), where contracted trappers are dispatched to assess and manage threats.