Alligator attack that killed woman canoeing on Lake Kissimmee was ‘defensive incident,' Florida wildlife official says
The attack occurred near the mouth of Tiger Creek on Lake Kissimmee, just east of Osceola County, where the woman and her husband were canoeing in 2 feet of water when investigators believe they startled the alligator by drifting over it.
The alligator then thrashed and tipped over the canoe. The woman, who sat at the bow, fell on top of the reptile and was bitten as her husband tried to intervene but failed, FWC Maj. Evan Laskowski told reporters. FWC identified the woman as 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema of Davenport.
Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies and marine units assisted in the search and an agency helicopter found her body in the water. Two alligators were captured, including an 11-footer that FWC said matched the description of the one who attacked the woman.
The investigation of the incident is ongoing.
'This was not believed to be a predatory incident, but just simply a defensive incident where they came upon the alligator beneath the water's edge and when the canoe struck it, it caused a reaction,' FWC Officer Bradley Johnson said.
Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, with just five deadly gator attacks between 2014 and November 2024, the last month for which FWC data is available. None took place in 2024, which saw 11 gator attacks statewide. That's more than half the attacks reported in 2023, which saw 23 with one deadly, according to agency figures.
FWC administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program to remove those believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.
Tuesday's attack was the second in that area within two months — a woman was bitten March 3 while kayaking there. Lake Kissimmee has the second-highest gator population of any lake in the state, The Ledger reported using FWC data.
FWC Executive Director Roger Young said alligators are especially active now during mating season.
'During this time, when alligators are active, we strongly encourage the public to keep their distance from alligators,' Young said.
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