Gator Pulled Him Off the Bank: Florida Angler, 71, Dies at a Winter Garden Pond

Gator Pulled Him Off the Bank: Florida Angler, 71, Dies at a Winter Garden Pond

A shoreline cast in a city park ends in a fatal drag

A 71-year-old man fishing from the bank of a pond in Winter Garden, Florida, was seized by an alligator and dragged into the water on Friday, Oct. 16. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified the victim as Steven Hamilton of Winter Garden. The attack happened at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, whose small ponds connect to the much larger Lake Apopka. Winter Garden sits about 15 miles northwest of Orlando. Police said Hamilton was on shore when the animal took him into the water.

Trappers removed an 11-foot-8-inch gator; police had said 12

A contracted nuisance-alligator trapper was dispatched to the park and removed an alligator measuring 11 feet 8 inches, the FWC said. Winter Garden police had described the animal as nearly 12 feet long; the FWC later clarified its length as 11.8 feet. Police Capt. Michael Mason said the alligator was killed and was no longer a danger to the public. Winter Garden police and the FWC are investigating the death jointly, and as of Saturday authorities had not announced what may have prompted the attack.

Other alligators in the pond delayed the recovery

Winter Garden Fire Chief Jose Gainza said the 911 call came in around 5:20 p.m., and that crews trying to reach the man were slowed because there were active alligators nearby. Hamilton's body was recovered from the water around 7 p.m. The fire chief had said earlier that it was not immediately known whether the person was alive or dead.

The Lake Apopka shoreline is prime alligator country

FOX 35 reported that the park has direct water access to Lake Apopka, which is known for one of the largest American alligator populations in Central Florida. The park even has a crossing called Gator Bridge. "Lake Apopka has tons of alligators in it, so that's not uncommon to see alligators in this part of town at all," Mason told reporters Friday night.

Florida's second fatal alligator attack this year

Hamilton is the second person killed by an alligator in Florida this year, according to CBS News. In June, 31-year-old Brittany Clark was killed while swimming in Little Big Econ State Forest near Orlando; her boyfriend and friends tried to save her. CBS News data shows Florida recorded 13 alligator attacks last year, eight of them major and two fatal.

1.3 million gators, but deaths remain rare

The FWC estimates Florida is home to about 1.3 million alligators, found in all 67 counties. CBS News, citing the state's records, reports 32 fatal alligator attacks since tracking began in 1948, with never more than three in a single year. The Guardian, citing FWC data, put the toll at at least 34 people killed since 1948. In its Oct. 16 statement, the FWC said serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida.

A hotline, a warning and an unfinished investigation

The FWC said it places the highest priority on public safety and runs the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, which sends contracted trappers to look into complaints about specific alligators believed to threaten people, pets or property. Anyone concerned about an alligator can call the toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. "Always be aware of your surroundings, always be safe," Mason said. "Local wildlife, respect it, keep your distance." The gator involved was removed from the park, and police urged residents to use caution near water.