An 85-year old woman was attacked and killed by an alligator on Monday in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE. "Anywhere there is standing water, an alligator might be found," The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement to USA TODAY. Ms. Florida county. Homes in the . An eyewitness, Ms Carole Thomas, 76, quickly called 911 as she tried to help her neighbour. The last reported death associated with an alligator before the attack in St. Lucie County was in 2019. The dog survived the attack, according to WPTV 5. In 2021, nearly 9,500 nuisance alligators described as being at least 4 feet in length and posing "a threat to people, pets or property" were killed in the state. Since Toddler's 2016 Death: Report, Florida Man Fights Off Alligator That Attacked His Dog: 'I'd Fight Tooth and Nail for Him', Doorbell Camera Captures Florida Man Fighting Off Bear on Porch to Protect His Dogs, alligator approached and snatched her dog. In June 2016, Lane was grabbed by an alligator as he played in about a foot of water at the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Orlando. The title "Alligator Bait" for an 1897 collage of nine African-American babies posed "on a sandy bayou" was supposedly suggested by a hardware-store employee in Knoxville, Tennessee as part of a naming contest with a cash prize.By 1900, the photo had sold 11,000 copies and brought in US$5,000 (equivalent to about $162,860 in 2021) for McCrary & Branson. Rattlesnakes:What to know if you're bitten by a rattlesnake, Bears:What should you do if you see a bear? Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter:@jordan_mendoza5. An estimated 1.3 million alligators are in Florida and can be found in all 67 counties, according to FWC. Over the last 10 years, Florida has averaged eight unprovoked bites per year that are serious enough to require professional medical treatment. A woman was killed in an alligator attack Monday in South Carolina,officials confirmed,in what has become an unusual year for alligator attacks. The gator has me: Horrifying video shows how alligator attack on 85-year-old in Florida unfolded, All done! "If you should be attacked, fight like your life depends on it because it does," Mazzoti said. "With how many people there are and how many alligators there are, it's really surprising it doesn't happen more often,"Frank Mazzotti, professor of wildlife ecology and member of the "Croc Docs" at the University of Florida, told USA TODAY. Fatal alligator attack in Florida: 3 more gators removed from neighborhood after woman's death Spanish Lakes Fairways residents said the gator grabbed the woman's dog, and she struggled to get the . They did so to allay any concerns and to make us realize the precautions we should take with regard to wildlife, alligators in particular, Mandelker said. Feeding alligators teaches them to associate people with food. Gloria Serge, 85, was walking her dog on Feb. 20 when an 11-foot alligator grabbed the dog. Witnesses told officials that Serge tried wrestling the dog away from the animal. Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News, How to register your school/organization for closings and delays, Greenfield police release video of car slamming into cruiser, Communities prepare for overnight snow as new round of winter weather approaches, Appeals court upholds dismissal of wrongful death lawsuit in Whitey Bulger case, Cleanup underway after car crashes into Wilmington home. The frightened caller, who saw it all go down, tells the 911. TAMPA, Fla. - A high school lacrosse team in Florida had to stop practice when an alligator showed up and took a leisurely stroll across the field. Minor bites are those in which the victims' injuries were superficial and required no treatment or only first aid," the Florida Fish and Wildlife report states. Anyone concerned about a nuisance alligator in Florida is asked to call the FWC's toll-free hotline at (866) 392-4286. The woman was resting on a sea wall when she fell into the canal,. According to a November 2021 report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: In 2021, there were seven major and three minor alligator bites. An 85-year-old woman died Monday following an alligator bite, when the gator grabbed her while she was walking her dog near a pond in a St. Lucie County golf course community, wildlife officials said. Relocated alligators often try to return to their capture site. St. Lucie County Fire District spokesperson Brenda Stokes said fire rescue workers were sent to the 6700 block of Picante Circle at 12:07 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, to recover a body. The alligator, which was approximately 10 feet long, was caught and euthanized, it added. Shared on Twitter by Rex Chapman, the video was shot in Florida. [We] snagged him on the bottom. A video has emerged showing the moments before a 85-year-old Florida woman was fatally attacked by an alligator while walking her dog in a retirement community. If an alligator attacks, experts say to poke at its eyes and punch and kick it around the head. With a population of just under 48,000, it is the oldest city on the Treasure Coast. The nuisance alligator was brought under control by officer Manuel Orol in the Kendall area on Feb . This article is now fully available for you, Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full. An elderly woman was killed while trying to rescue her dog from an alligator attack in a St. Lucie County, Florida senior living community. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Terrifying video captures the moment a 10-foot-long alligator lunges at an 85-year-old woman in Florida dragging her to her death as she tries to protect her dog from the beast. Minor bites are those in which the victims' injuries were superficial and required no treatment or only first aid. Below are details about the alligator attack and what we know. He never surfaced. It goes on to explain the types of bites: "All bites reported are considered unprovoked bites. But the vicious reptile is too fast and she only manages to walk a few feet before it scrambles out of the water and tries to attack the dog. Tell Hank: (855) 247-HANK. The alligator is seen surfacing nearby and approaching the octogenarian, who moves away from the 700-pound monster. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service. Witnesses to the attack called 911 resulting in a response from the FWC and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, according to the FWC. Alligator attack risk comparison . The state of Florida, where most attacks and deaths occur, began keeping records of alligator attacks in 1948. 2023 www.tcpalm.com. An 85-year-old woman was killed in an alligator attack as she was walking her dog in Fort Pierce, Florida. Authorities recovered Serge, and a "contracted nuisance alligator trapper" captured and euthanized the large reptile, the official said. Don't turn and run, expert warns, according toThe National Wildlife Federation. (CNN) An 85-year-old woman walking her dog was killed Monday when an alligator pulled her into a nearby retention pond in southeast Florida, according to wildlife officials. "Our prayers go out to the loved ones of the victim and the Spanish Lakes residents who knew the victim and witnessed the attack.". However, the huge beast bends and broadens the fence as it wriggles to the . Both his parents rushed to his aid but were unable to save their son. Efforts to reach them were unsuccessful or they declined comment. Trooper survived the attack but Ms Serge succumbed to her injuries. Woman killed saving dog from alligator:Wildlife officials investigate woman's death in 'alligator bite incident' at golf community, Disney alligator attack:Officials recover body of toddler after attack at Disney resort. Tags: Fort Pierce, Florida, alligator attack FORT PIERCE, Fla. - We're now hearing the chilling 911 call made after an elderly woman was attacked by an alligator Monday while walking her dog. CNN . Mandelker said he didnt know whether the three additional alligators were removed from the same pond or lake in which Serge died, but said the ponds are connected and an alligator can go from one to the other. TCPalm covers news in St. Lucie County, Martin County and Indian River County. Fort Pierce is a beach town on the Treasure Coast in St. Lucie County, on the East Coast of Florida. A nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to St. Lucie County following the tragic incident, according to the FWC. According to an accident report released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Ms. The same report, which includes alligator bite stats on people in Florida from 1948 to 2021, show 26 fatalities, 303 major attacks and 139 minor attacks. Gloria Serge was by a retention pond behind her house in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Monday when the 10-foot-long alligator crawled up from the . Fort Pierce is home to an idyllic downtown, an award-winning farmers market and some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways in Florida. First. Major bites are those in which the victims' injuries required medical care. The incident occurred just after noon, when Gloria Serge was walking her small dog near the community retention pond at Spanish Lakes Fairways, a 55-plus community in Fort Pierce, a city about 67 miles north of West Palm Beach, according to the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "It was about a foot away from the water," Ray said. 202120748H. Serge was pulled into deeper water and died as a result of the incident, it said. The alligator, a local fixture known as Henry, was trapped and put down. It is illegal and dangerous to do so. For reference, you have a better chance of. Then, the gator bit his leg. Alligators are naturally afraid of humans, but will attack in certain instances. The agency said that there were 12 alligator attacks on humans. Wildlife officials investigate woman's death in 'alligator bite incident' at golf community, Officials recover body of toddler after attack at Disney resort, Florida has averaged eight unprovoked bites per year, 5 ways to avoid getting attacked or killed by a Florida alligator, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, Be aware of the possible presence of alligators when in or near fresh or brackish water. The incident took place at a 55-plus living community near the city of Fort Pierce, according to FOX 35 Orlando and local news station WPTV 5. The alligator, which weighed between 270kg and 320kg, was caught and later euthanised. Witnesses called 911, a commission spokesperson said. It's about 120 miles from Orlando and roughly 130 miles north of Miami. And there have only been 23 fatalities between 1948 and 2016. I couldnt get in the water.. No one answered the door Tuesday or Thursday at Serges listed address on Aguila Avenue. The camera shows the woman and her dog by the water's edge, as the water ripples from the alligator edging closer towards them. Texas Parks and Wildlifesays a safe distance away from an alligator is at least 30 feet, and while extremely rare for them to chase humans, they can run up to 35 mph for a short period of time. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says, you have a better chance of getting attacked by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park, Hot, hungry alligators are taking lonely strolls in Florida, meaning there could be an increase in alligator activity, Alligators have a natural fear of humans and usually will retreat when approached, Texas Parks and Wildlife says, Experts from the University of Florida say, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the victim, the commission said in a statement Monday. There is a condition, though. sharks, alligators, algae and hurricanes: What are the Floridian odds? If there's an alligator under 4 feet is found in your swimming pool, on your porch, under your car, or in a similar situation, a nuisance alligator trapper can be contacted. We were able to get a second hook in him and a hard line in him so we could get him up.". Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an alligator. Never swim outside of posted swimming areas. Last . In case you're wondering, sharks, alligators, algae and hurricanes: What are the Floridian odds? Call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). (Copyright (c) 2022 CNN. [1] 2020s [ edit] 2010s [ edit] The incident unfolded Monday in a Fort Pierce, Florida, retirement community. The creature is most abundant in Louisiana and Florida, with each state having a population of over 1 million alligators. Workers stunned as four-foot alligator is hauled from Brooklyn's Prospect Park Lake, near where kids play Terrifying video captures the moment a 10-foot-long alligator lunges at an 85-year-old. Gloria Serge was . The likelihood of a Florida resident being seriously injured during an unprovoked alligator incident in Florida is roughly only one in 3.1 million, according to FWC. ), WHDH TV 7NEWS WLVI TV CW56 The footage obtained by Inside Edition shows Gloria Serge standing with her leashed pooch Monday along a lake outside Spanish Lakes Fairways, a retirement community in Fort Pierce. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months. The three alligators are in addition to one removed and euthanized after Gloria Serge was pulled into the water as she walked her dog by a small lake in the area of Picante Circle and Aguila Avenue, according to Jay Mandelker, Spanish Lakes Fairways HOA president, on Thursday. Closely supervise children when they are playing in or around water. According to the statement, seriousinjuries caused by alligators are rarein the state of Florida. All content Copyright 2000 - 2023 WHDH-TV. The Florida conservation commission said in November 2021 there were 442 unprovoked alligator bites in Florida from 1948 to 2021, averaging six a year. Serge, who desperately tried to protect her pet from its massive jaws, was dragged underwater and killed in the shocking attack. . Mazzoti added alligators "don't perceive humans as either a threat or as food.". The FWC said dog walkers should keep pets at least 10 feet from the water's edge to try and avoid attacks. The sound of dogs barking and playing may draw an alligator to thearea. Can't see the report on alligator attacks? There is no way I could have gotten to her sooner, she told the outlet. MIAMI - Chilling footage of Wednesdays horrifying alligator attack on an 85-year-old woman in the southern United States state of Florida has emerged on social media. Alligators only attack when threatened or cornered, but if a human is in water with alligators, it may entice them. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. If an alligator bites you, the best thing to do is fight back, providing as much noise and resistance aspossible. Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans at boat ramps and fish camps; do not throw them in the water. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. Friday at the . In 1977, 13 people received major injuries, followed by 11 in 2001 and 10 in 2017. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I couldnt do anything. We were able to get a second hook in him and a hard line in him so we could get him up., 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Alligator pulled from Prospect Park lake swallowed 4-inch wide bathtub stopper: officials, Disturbing 911 audio from fatal Florida alligator attack released: Got her!, 700-pound alligator kills Florida woman, 85, who tried to save dog, Workers stunned as four-foot alligator is hauled from Brooklyns Prospect Park Lake, near where kids play. The video showed how the 3m-long reptile silently followed her and her dog from afar before it finally surged out of the lake and lunged at the pooch called Trooper. Female alligators rarely exceed10 feet in length. An attack that gained national attention was the death of 2-year-old Lane Graves, which happened almost seven years ago. Gator attack:A Florida man thought a 7-foot alligator was dog on long leash. Terrifying ordeal from the neighbor who witnessed fatal alligator encounter, 'Alligator bite incident':Wildlife officials investigate woman's death at golf community. Part of that . A 43-year-old man was attackedby an alligatorand treated for a "serious injury in his arm" onJuly 20and a 34-year-old man was bit on his face during a swim in a Florida lake onAug. 4. Follow Will on Twitter@OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. Alligators are a common sight around Florida, although the number of attacks, especially fatal ones, is low. The dog survived, commission spokesperson Arielle Callender told CNN on Monday. Neighbor Carol Thomas told Inside Edition that she tried to help Serge while speaking with 911. 'I Can't See Her!' The Florida record for weight is a 1,043 pound (13 feet 10-1/2 inches long) male from Orange Lake in Alachua County. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Tracey Harrington McCoy is a celebrity news writer at PEOPLE Digital. Its horrible for her family. Unprovoked alligator attacks do occasionally happen and should not be downplayed, however most are preventable and the fatality rate is low. Gloria Serge can be seen walking down the bank of a lake with her small dog just outside of Spanish Lakes Fairways. All occurred in the Southeast, where alligators are endemic to wetlands and tidal marshes. Observe and photograph alligators only from a safe distance. Mandelker said that at a Wednesday monthly HOA meeting, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and St. Lucie County Sheriffs officials attended. Stay safe:5 ways to avoid getting attacked or killed by a Florida alligator. The worker referred questions to the owner, who could not be reached. Another elderly woman in Florida was killed in July after she fell into a pond and was attacked by two alligators, authorities said. Neighbors have said Serge lived in the community north of Indrio Road near Interstate 95 more than 20 years and had several children. "Major bites are those in which the victims' injuries required medical care, beyond first aid, to treat wounds. IE 11 is not supported. Alligator attacks are rare, and there's an even slimmer chance of being killed by one. Homes in the area where the incident occurred sit close to a small lake or pond, one of a number of water bodies in the community.
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