Update:
LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK, FL — A peaceful afternoon canoeing turned into a nightmare Tuesday when a 61-year-old woman was fatally attacked by an alligator near the mouth of Tiger Creek in Lake Kissimmee. The incident occurred around 4 p.m., according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The woman and her husband were navigating a 14-foot canoe in approximately two feet of water when they inadvertently passed over an alligator. The startled reptile thrashed, causing the canoe to capsize. The woman fell into the water, landing on top of the alligator, which then bit her. Her husband attempted to rescue her but was unsuccessful.
Emergency responders, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, marine units, and fire rescue, were dispatched to the scene. The woman’s body was later recovered. A contracted nuisance alligator trapper has been called in to locate and remove the animal involved.
At this time two alligators of approximately 10ft or more have been killed by Nuisance Alligator hunters brought in to find the alligator that killed the woman.
This tragic event marks the second alligator attack in the area within two months. In March, a woman kayaking near the canal connecting Lake Kissimmee and Tiger Lake was severely injured by an 8-foot-4-inch alligator. The reptile was subsequently captured and euthanized.
Lake Kissimmee is known for having the highest concentration of alligators in Florida. Warning signs are posted throughout the park, advising visitors to exercise caution. The FWC emphasizes that while alligator attacks are rare, they can occur, particularly during mating season, which runs from April to September.
Gatorland CEO Mark McHugh advises the public to respect wildlife and adhere to safety guidelines. “Coexisting with alligators in the state of Florida means respecting their presence and abiding by all precautionary measures to avoid conflict,” McHugh stated.
The FWC urges anyone who encounters a potentially dangerous alligator to contact their toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
———Original Article——-
Daily Ridge Staff Report
May 6, 2025
Lake Kissimmee State Park – Emergency crews responded to a harrowing alligator attack Tuesday afternoon after two kayakers encountered the alligator while on Lake Kissimmee. One of the individuals was injured in the incident, but it is unclear if officials have been able reach them.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), their agency received a call at approximately 4:05 p.m. to assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at the park. PCSO deployed deputies, a helicopter, and members of its Marine Unit to support the response effort.
The alligator attacked one of the kayakers while the pair was out on the lake. Specific details about the nature of the victim’s injuries or their current condition have not been released. The lake, which spans both Polk and Osceola counties, may have also prompted a response from Osceola County authorities.
The Daily Ridge has reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for more information.
A spokesperson with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed:
“In response to your inquiries, our agency received a call at 4:05 p.m. this afternoon to assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at Lake Kissimmee State Park regarding an alligator attack. Two people were kayaking, and one was attacked by an alligator on the lake (Lake Kissimmee). I believe Osceola County also received a call — this lake is between both counties.”
As of this report, it is unclear whether the victim has been located or if public access to the lake is being restricted. Visitors to Lake Kissimmee State Park are urged to exercise caution and adhere to all posted wildlife warnings.
This is a developing story. The Daily Ridge will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
