Crocodile challenges Florida Everglades crocodile
Alligators and crocodiles were seen hissing and snapping at each other in the Florida Everglades.
LAKELAND, Fla. — A canoe woman was killed by a crocodile on Lake Kissimmee in central Florida on May 6th, state wildlife officials said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee said in a news release it received a call about a crocodile attack at Lake Kissimmee near the mouth of Tiger Creek. Lake Kissimmee is approximately 35,000 acres of lake located about 70 miles south of Orlando, Florida.
The woman was canoeing when she encountered a crocodile and was caught in the water, the agency said. She was later found dead in the water.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was sought for assistance and sent deputies, helicopters and Marines to the scene. In an earlier news release, the sheriff’s office said two people kayaking at the lake and one person was attacked by a crocodile.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee said an annoying crocodile trapper had been sent to the area.
The agency did not identify women or provide additional information. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee said at a press conference in Tampa, Florida, that more updates will be available on May 7th.
This was the second time Inni had attacked in the same area near Lake Kissimmee. On March 3rd, a woman was bitten by the elbow of the same stream connecting Tiger Lake and Kissimmee Lake.
The alligator attack also comes after wildlife authorities responded to the human murders first recorded by black bears in state history. On May 5, an 89-year-old man and his dog were killed in Collier County, southwest Florida.
State wildlife officials were working to find the bear on May 6th, killing three people for DNA analysis.
Fatal crocodile attacks are rare
Florida’s alligator population is estimated to be around 1.3 million, and reptiles can be found in waterways throughout the state. Florida Wildlife Officials issue annual crocodile hunting and licensed crocodile trappers permits.
During the height of alligator mating season, when people are advised to be extra careful around the waters when crocodiles can be more aggressive. The courtship ritual begins in April and mating occurs in May and June, according to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Board. Women build their nests in late June or early July, depositing an average of 3-4 dozen eggs hatching in August and September.
Before May 6th, there have been 490 alligator attacks in Florida since 1948. This includes 27 being fatal and 314 being considered major, with the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network, citing state wildlife records. If a person needs medical care beyond basic first aid to treat the wound, then biting is considered primary.
A University of Florida report in April stated that dangerous behavior by humans, which is the cause of a fatal interaction between people and teeth-like reptiles, from intentionally swimming dogs along the canal, to knowingly swiming dogs along the canal.
In the 2023 crocodile census conducted annually by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lake Kissimmee ranked fifth in the state with a gator population, earning an estimated 2,065 crocodiles. Eight Pork County Lakes ranked as the state’s top home for alligators.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages the statewide nuisance crocodile programs.
“Snap uses statewide unwanted crocodile trappers to eliminate alligators that are thought to pose a threat to people, pets or property,” the agency said. “People with concerns about crocodiles should call the FWC toll-free crocodile hotline at 866-FWC Gator (866-392-4286).
Contribution: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today