A Sunday swim on the Little Big Econ River near Geneva turned into an emergency for a 31-year-old woman when an alligator bit her as she was in the water with friends, according to Seminole County officials.
The Seminole County Fire Department said the bite happened at about 1:30 p.m. The woman was taken to a trauma hospital as a trauma alert, and both the Seminole County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to the scene.
What authorities reported
The Seminole County Fire Department confirmed the incident and told ClickOrlando the woman was injured while swimming with a group and was transported for trauma care. Officials did not immediately release further details about the extent of her injuries or the condition of the people she was swimming with.
Three bites in a week across Central Florida
This bite is one of several alligator-related injuries reported across Central Florida in recent days. As reported by FOX 35 Orlando, a snorkeler was bitten at Rainbow River on June 21, and a child suffered a hand bite while fishing near Umatilla on June 27. Wildlife officers were dispatched to both of those scenes.
FWC: How to report a nuisance gator
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says serious injuries from alligators are rare but urges people to use caution around waterways and reminds the public not to feed wildlife. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, anyone concerned about a problematic alligator should call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), which will dispatch a contracted trapper when appropriate.
Why Little Big Econ draws people and wildlife
The Little Big Econ State Forest is a popular paddling, fishing and hiking area with multiple trailheads and canoe launches along the river, according to the state's forest page. That mix of recreation and habitat means visitors routinely share the water with alligators, and officials say common-sense precautions such as keeping pets leashed, staying in designated swim areas and giving wildlife space can reduce risk.
Officials did not immediately say whether the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission removed or trapped an animal connected to the Geneva bite, according to FOX 35 Orlando. Anyone who spots an alligator acting aggressively or lingering near a public access area is urged to contact the FWC hotline or local law enforcement for guidance and to request removal if it meets nuisance criteria.
