Florida alligator attacks leave woman dead, 2 others injured, officials say
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Florida alligator attacks leave woman dead, 2 others injured, officials say
By Steven Yablonski Steven Yablonski is a digital content producer for CBS Miami and the South region. Read Full Bio Steven YablonskiUpdated on: June 29, 2026 / 11:39 AM EDT / CBS Miami
Add CBS News on GoogleOfficials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are urging people to be aware of their surrounding after a series of alligator attacks in Florida left one person dead and two others injured, including a minor.
The first alligator attack occurred in the Rainbow River in Marion County.
According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the river was closed on June 21 after deputies said a snorkeler was bitten.
In a Facebook post, the sheriff's office said the river was closed so they could assist FWC in locating the alligator that was involved. It eventually was, and the river was then reopened.
The sheriff's office thanked the public for their patience and cooperation while the river was closed.
Alligator bit minor while fishing from shore, FWC says
Less than a week later, the FWC said they received a report of a "juvenile" who was bitten in the hand by an alligator while fishing from shore at Nelson Fish Camp in Marion County.
The FWC said the unidentified victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for their injuries.
After the incident, the FWC said a law enforcement officer removed and killed the 8-foot, 7-inch alligator.
Florida alligator attacks, kills woman in Seminole County
The very next day, the FWC and the Seminole Coiunty Sheriff's Office responded to reports of an alligator attack on the Econlockhatchee River near the Barr Street Trailhead in the Little Big Econ State Forest.
According to officials, an adult woman was swimming in the river when she was bitten by an alligator, resulting in serious injuries.
That victim was taken to a hospital to be treated, but she later was pronounced dead, according to the FWC.
The FWC said that multiple agencies and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper responded to the scene, and efforts to trap the alligator are ongoing.
"The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time," the FWC said in a statement.
Alligator mating season nearing end in Florida
According to the FWC, alligator courtship begins in early April, with mating typically occurring in May and June.
During this period, alligators tend to be more active and may travel outside their usual habitats in search of mates, sometimes showing up in neighborhoods, roadways and other unexpected places.
Wildlife officials urge residents to keep a safe distance, avoid feeding alligators and contact professionals if one is spotted in a populated area.
If you're worried about an alligator, call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.
Florida alligator safety
Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for centuries and are found in all of Florida's 67 counties.
As people continue to move to Florida, there is a bigger need of people seeking waterfront homes, and more interest in water-related activities.
That's where there is a bigger risk of more frequent alligator-human interactions.
Here are some alligator safety tips from FWC:
Keep a safe distance and never feed an alligator: The FWC said that, when fed, alligators can quickly overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.
Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours: Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
Keep pets on a leash and away from water: The FWC said that because pets can resemble an alligator's natural prey, it's important to keep dogs, cats and other pets on a leash and 10 feet away from the water's edge to prevent conflict with an alligator.
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
