\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThere have been a total of three reported alligator attacks in the last seven days across Central Florida.Experts are chiming in with their tips on how to safely coexist with alligators and why these attacks could be increasing in frequency.Woman killed while swimming in riverA woman was swimming in the Little Big Econ River at Bar Street Trailhead in Geneva. That’s when officials said she was bitten by an alligator.She was transported to a nearby hospital as a trauma alert, where she later died from her injuries.This is an active investigation.Juvenile attacked while fishingA boy was fishing at Nelson’s Fish Camp in Marion County when officials said an 8-foot-7-inch alligator bit him on the hand.The alligator was killed after the incident, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.Snorkeler attacked in Rainbow RiverFWC received reports that a snorkeler came in contact with an alligator while in Rainbow River. The man was bitten and taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. He has since been released. What experts are sayingIt’s currently mating season for gators, meaning alligators are significantly more active.FWC said alligator mating season begins with courtship in early April. The peak is in May and June. How to stay safeFWC said serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida.However, FWC offers the following tips about how to safely coexist with alligators:Keep a safe distance.Never feed an alligator. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food.Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.Keep pets on a leash and away from the water\u2019s edge, and never let them swim in fresh or brackish water. Pets often resemble alligators\u2019 natural prey.People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC\u2019s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at\u202f866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).When someone is concerned about an alligator and calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, FWC dispatches a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.Other reported Florida attacksMay 2026A man said his dog was killed by an alligator after he let her out near a lake behind his home in the Fort Myers area.August 2025A woman was bitten by an alligator after she tripped over it in a hiking area in Collier County. The woman was bitten on the arm and leg and needed surgery for her injuries.July 2025A 27-year-old woman was bitten by an alligator while she and her boyfriend were in waist-deep water with their dog in the South Fork of the St. Lucie River near Charlie Leighton Park in Martin County.May 2025FWC shot and killed the alligator responsible for throwing a 61-year-old woman from her canoe on a Central Florida lake back in May of 2025, and killing her.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
There have been a total of three reported alligator attacks in the last seven days across Central Florida.<\/p>\n
Experts are chiming in with their tips on how to safely coexist with alligators and why these attacks could be increasing in frequency.<\/p>\n
Woman killed while swimming in river<\/p>\n
A woman was swimming in the Little Big Econ River at Bar Street Trailhead in Geneva. <\/p>\n
That’s when officials said she was bitten by an alligator.<\/p>\n
She was transported to a nearby hospital as a trauma alert, where she later died from her injuries.<\/p>\n
This is an active investigation.<\/p>\n
Juvenile attacked while fishing<\/p>\n
A boy was fishing at Nelson’s Fish Camp in Marion County when officials said an 8-foot-7-inch alligator bit him on the hand.<\/p>\n
The alligator was killed after the incident, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.<\/p>\n
Snorkeler attacked in Rainbow River<\/p>\n
FWC received reports that a snorkeler came in contact with an alligator while in Rainbow River. <\/p>\n
The man was bitten and taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. He has since been released.<\/p>\n
What experts are saying<\/p>\n
It’s currently mating season for gators, meaning alligators are significantly more active.<\/p>\n
FWC said alligator mating season begins with courtship in early April. The peak is in May and June. <\/p>\n
How to stay safe<\/p>\n
FWC said serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida.<\/p>\n
However, FWC offers the following tips about how to safely coexist with alligators:<\/p>\n
Keep a safe distance.Never feed an alligator. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food.Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.Keep pets on a leash and away from the water\u2019s edge, and never let them swim in fresh or brackish water. Pets often resemble alligators\u2019 natural prey.<\/p>\n
People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC\u2019s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at\u202f866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).<\/p>\n
When someone is concerned about an alligator and calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, FWC dispatches a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.<\/p>\n
Other reported Florida attacksMay 2026<\/p>\n
A man said his dog was killed by an alligator<\/a> after he let her out near a lake behind his home in the Fort Myers area.<\/p>\n August 2025<\/p>\n A woman was bitten by an alligator after she tripped over it<\/a> in a hiking area in Collier County. The woman was bitten on the arm and leg and needed surgery for her injuries.<\/p>\n July 2025<\/p>\n