A woman died Sunday after being bitten by an alligator while she was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The incident is the third recorded alligator bite in Central Florida in the past week.
The FWC said the 31-year-old woman was swimming with friends in the river near the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. She was brought to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the FWC and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper responded to the incident. FWC officers used a boat and UTV to search for the alligator on site for hours, the organization says.
The FWC ultimately cleared the scene around 7:30 p.m. It has not been made clear whether the gator was found. The identity of the woman has not been revealed.
The park does display signs warning visitors of alligators.
Wildlife officials have confirmed that three alligator bites have been recorded in a week’s time. A child was bitten on the hand by an 8-foot-7 alligator while fishing at Nelson’s Outdoor Resort on June 27, and a person was bitten while snorkeling in Marion County’s Rainbow River on June 21. This alligator was removed, according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials say that while attacks are rare, individuals should always take precaution.
Alligator mating season gets into full swing from May to June, according to the FWC. It’s not uncommon for alligators to be especially active or found in places they don’t belong during this time.
The FWC says people concerned about an alligator can call their Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). A gator is generally considered a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length; if it is believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property; or if it is found somewhere it should not be, such as a swimming pool, home, garage, etc.
The University of Florida released a study in April 2025 finding that the No. 1 cause of alligator attacks in Florida is “risky human behavior.” Researchers recommend avoiding entering bodies of water or areas where alligators are known to live.
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