Kayaker killed in alligator attack at Lake Kissimmee State Park, FWC says
LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — A kayaker died Tuesday after being attacked by an alligator at Lake Kissimmee State Park, authorities said.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office was called to assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shortly after 4 p.m.
3 bears killed, DNA samples sent off following deadly attack in South Florida
Deputies said two people were kayaking at the state park when one of them was attacked. The circumstances surrounding the attack largely remained unclear.
However, the FWC later confirmed to NBC affiliate WESH that the victim went into the water during the incident. Officials believe she may have been pulled into the water by the gator.
She was recovered from the water but was pronounced dead.
The incident happened in between Polk and Osceola counties on Lake Kissimmee, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies remained on scene Tuesday afternoon, along with a helicopter and Marine Unit. The FWC said a nuisance alligator trapper was also dispatched to the scene.
No further information was immediately available regarding Tuesday's attack.
The incident comes just months after another kayaker was bitten by an alligator at the mouth of a canal connecting Lake Kissimmee and Tiger Lake.
The March 3 incident sent the kayaker to the hospital with severe injuries to her arm, and the FWC said an 8-foot-4-inch-long alligator was captured and euthanized afterward.
According to the FWC, serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. However, residents and visitors can protect themselves by only swimming in designated swimming areas, keeping pets away from the water, and by not feeding alligators.
Anyone who is concerned by an alligator can call the FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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