A series of alligator attacks in Florida has resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries over the past week. Notably, all three incidents occurred inland, away from traditional coastal habitats.
The latest attack took place on Sunday around 1:30 p.m. in the Econlockhatchee River within the Little Big Econ State Forest, an area located nearly 30 miles from the coast. A 31-year-old woman was swimming with friends when she was attacked by an alligator. She was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. A 911 call described the woman's injuries as severe, with one arm reportedly detached.
Earlier in the week, a 19-year-old was snorkeling in the Rainbow River in Dunnellon when an alligator estimated to be over 8 feet long bit the individual on the head and neck. The teen sustained deep cuts and was treated and released from a local hospital.
In another incident, a young boy was bitten on the hand by an approximately 8-foot-7 alligator while fishing with his father at Nelson's Fish Camp in Marion County. The alligator involved in this attack was captured and killed.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials noted that alligator mating season, which began in early April, contributes to increased aggression and activity among the animals.