A woman attacked and killed by an alligator in Florida had taken appropriate safety measures, according to a wildlife expert. Brittany Clark, 31, was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River at Little Big Econ State Forest on a Sunday afternoon when the alligator attacked.
Conservation biologist and alligator handler Joseph Wasilewski told The Post that Clark, a California native, had not taken unnecessary risks. He noted that the attack occurred around 1:30 p.m., which is considered a safer time to swim than dawn or dusk, when alligators are more active. Wasilewski, who has over 50 years of experience with alligators and crocodiles, stressed the importance of having another person on shore to watch for the animals.
"If you do go in the water, make sure you have someone standing by watching," Wasilewski said. "Have someone on the shore that’ll watch, because if there’s an alligator, they’ll see it coming." He added that this lookout does not need to be an expert, but rather an adult with common sense.
Wasilewski speculated that the alligator may have been defending its territory, as June and July are nesting seasons for alligators. He also expressed surprise at the reported size of the alligator, stating it was larger than any he had encountered in the wild. His advice for safety in Florida waters is blunt: "stay the hell out."
Clark's father stated that his daughter was aware of the potential for alligators in the river and criticized officials for not implementing more warnings or safety measures, such as barriers. Wasilewski concurred that park rangers and staff have a responsibility to warn the public about dangers, especially during nesting seasons.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), serious alligator-related injuries are rare. The FWC manages a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program to address animals believed to pose a threat. Between 1948 and 2025, the FWC recorded 500 unprovoked alligator bites in Florida, with 32 resulting in fatalities. A GoFundMe page has been established to help with expenses related to returning Clark's body to California.