The father of a woman fatally attacked by an alligator in Florida has voiced strong criticism of state wildlife authorities, arguing they have failed to adequately manage alligator populations and warn the public of the risks.
Brittany Clark, 31, was killed on Sunday while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River at Little Big Econ State Forest. Her boyfriend, Chance Allison, reportedly attempted to free her from the approximately 13-foot reptile's grasp.
Robert Clark, Brittany's father, expressed frustration that authorities have not done more to control large alligators he believes are "out of control." He stated that while alligators may have once been endangered, they are now thriving, and the state is not adequately managing them or informing the public about the dangers.
"I know it’s an alligator state and we’ve always had to deal with alligators, but when is the state going to put some money into dealing with the wildlife?" he asked. Clark noted that he understood there had been a child bitten in the same area just days before his daughter's attack.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) records indicate a boy was bitten on the hand by an 8-foot-7-inch alligator in Umatilla, about 60 miles away, one day prior to Clark's fatal encounter. The alligator involved in that incident was subsequently captured and killed. Separately, a 19-year-old snorkeler survived an alligator attack on Rainbow River on June 21, with the alligator involved being removed from the area.
Following Brittany Clark's death, officials captured and killed two alligators: a 13-foot specimen near the attack site and another approximately half a mile away.
"Nothing was done, no barriers put up, no warnings saying, ‘This is infested with alligators right now, think twice about stepping in the water,’" Robert Clark stated, emphasizing that his daughter and her companions were simply enjoying a hike and had not intended to disturb wildlife.
A spokesperson for the FWC extended sympathies to the victim's family and stated that serious injuries from alligators are rare in Florida. The commission administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints about alligators perceived as threats to people, pets, or property, dispatching trappers to resolve such situations. Between 1948 and 2025, the FWC has recorded 500 unprovoked alligator bites in Florida, resulting in 32 fatalities.
Robert Clark described his daughter as outgoing, ambitious, and someone who loved the outdoors, including hiking and riding motorcycles. Brittany Clark worked in construction, operating heavy equipment. She is survived by her parents and two siblings. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral expenses.