A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack over the weekend while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River near Geneva, Seminole County, as Central Florida recorded two other recent bites in separate incidents. The fatal encounter occurred while the woman was with her boyfriend and best friend; officials later captured two large alligators near the scene as the investigation continued.

The cluster of incidents raised fresh concerns about water safety across Central Florida, where alligators are native and often present in natural waterways. Wildlife officers urged caution around rivers and lakes, noting seasonal behavior and territoriality can elevate risk. Last update: June 29, 2026.

Fatal Econlockhatchee River attack near Geneva

Authorities said the victim stopped to swim during a hike and was in roughly three feet of water when an alligator bit her on both arms. Her boyfriend called 911 and attempted to free her; she died while being transported for medical care. The woman’s identity was not publicly released as officials worked to notify out-of-state relatives.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) personnel captured two alligators measuring 12 feet and 13 feet near the incident site, with the larger animal believed to have been involved. A visible law enforcement presence cordoned off the area following the attack, and visitors expressed shock. “It’s hard to hear somebody passed away out here in such a beautiful place,” one visitor said at the river.

Other recent incidents in Umatilla and Rainbow Springs

Hours before the fatal attack, a juvenile was bitten on the hand by an 8-foot, 7-inch alligator while fishing at Nelson’s Fish Camp in Umatilla. FWC officers later captured and euthanized that animal, and the victim was transported to a hospital for treatment; the extent of injuries was not disclosed. Officials described the reptile as a nuisance alligator and removed it from the area.

One week earlier, a 19-year-old man snorkeling at Rainbow Springs State Park in Marion County was bitten by an 8-foot, 3-inch alligator. He was treated and released from the hospital, and the alligator was euthanized. The state park subsequently reopened to the public after the response and site checks by authorities.

Officials’ actions and safety guidance

FWC spokesperson Chad Weber underscored the baseline risk posed by Florida’s waters. “Every body of water could potentially have an alligator in it,” he said. “There is some risk when you swim in the bodies of water in the state of Florida.” Officials said the Econlockhatchee attack occurred as the alligator mating season tapered, a period when territorial behavior can increase aggressive encounters.

Licensed gator hunting guide Kevin Brotz emphasized staying back from the edge of natural waterways. “Stay a few feet off the water’s edge. It’s tempting to walk close to see the minnows and all that stuff. That’s where bad things can happen,” he said. Experts advise avoiding swimming in areas known to harbor alligators, particularly at dawn, dusk, or night, and to keep a safe distance from the waterline where ambushes can occur.

The FWC noted that serious injuries are rare relative to the frequency of human activity near water, yet urged residents and visitors to report nuisance animals. The agency’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program can be reached at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) for sightings or concerns. As investigations proceed in Seminole County, officials continued evidence review on the captured 12- and 13-foot alligators to confirm involvement and sequence of events.