FWC Investigates Fatal Alligator Attack Near Lake Kissimmee

Tragic Alligator Attack Incident

• 😔 The FWC is investigating a fatal alligator attack that occurred on Tiger Creek in Polk County, extending condolences to the victim's family and community.
• 💔 The incident involved a husband and wife in a 14-foot canoe who encountered a large alligator in approximately 2.5 feet of water.
• 🌊 The canoe tipped over when it passed over the alligator, causing the female victim, Cynthia Dikma (61), to fall into the water and be bitten.
• 🚁 The victim was later spotted by a helicopter and recovered by FWC officers.

Alligator Investigation and Recovery

• 🐊 A 11-foot 4-inch alligator, matching the description of the one involved, was recovered by contracted nuisance alligator trappers.
• 🔍 A second alligator, approximately 10 to 11 feet long, was also recovered, and trappers remain on scene for ongoing monitoring.
• ⚠️ The FWC emphasizes that while fatalities are rare, this incident serves as a reminder of the powerful wildlife in natural spaces.

Alligator Safety and Nuisance Program

• 📞 The FWC's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) uses contract trappers to remove alligators posing a threat to people, pets, or property.
• 🚨 Concerns about alligators can be reported to the FWC's toll-free nuisance alligator hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.
• ⚠️ Recommended safety measures include keeping a safe distance, keeping pets on leashes away from water, swimming only in designated areas, and never feeding alligators.

Understanding Alligator Behavior

• 🤷 The incident is not believed to be predatory but rather a defensive reaction from the alligator when startled by the canoe.
• 🗓️ The FWC notes that this is a period of heightened alligator activity, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife.
• 🎣 The FWC has increased alligator hunt tags and removed up to 15,000 alligators statewide in the past year as part of population management.