A woman was killed in a horrifying alligator attack after being dragged from her canoe while paddling on Lake Kissimmee, a popular fishing spot in central Florida.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, near the mouth of Tiger Creek, south of Orlando, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
FWC officials said the woman entered the water during the attack and was not seen again until her body was later recovered nearby. She had been accompanied by another person at the time, who was unharmed.
Emergency crews from the FWC and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly to the scene. While the sheriff’s office initially described the vessel as a kayak — which typically features an enclosed hull — FWC later stated it was believed to be a canoe, which has an open hull and is also powered by paddles.
Authorities have not released the identity of the woman or further details about the alligator involved. A licensed nuisance alligator trapper has been deployed to the area to investigate and manage the potential threat.
