POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has issued an official advisory urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution around waterways, particularly in the Tiger Creek area of eastern Polk County. This announcement follows a recent fatal alligator attack in Tiger Creek, which connects Tiger Lake and Lake Kissimmee.
Sheriff Judd, accompanied by Sergeant Michael Hill, unveiled new warning signs specifically for the Tiger Creek region. These signs aim to heighten public awareness of the potential dangers posed by alligators in the area.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigated the fatal incident that claimed the life of a woman.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the woman was with her husband at the time of the deadly encounter. While canoeing, she reportedly “went into the water” after encountering the alligator.
A radio transmission from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which assisted the FWC and marine units in the search, indicated the victim’s husband made an unsuccessful attempt to fight off the predator.
Adding to the concern, authorities also noted a non-fatal alligator attack occurred in the same Tiger Creek area in early March of this year.
The incident occurred around 1:55 p.m. when a group of 20 people were kayaking in the creek. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a woman was bitten on the elbow, and another person had their life jacket ripped off by the alligator. The injured kayaker was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center for treatment.
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The advisory from the Sheriff’s Office reinforces the long-standing recommendations from the FWC regarding interactions with alligators, “As always, we strongly recommend keeping a safe distance if you see an alligator. Be careful out there.” said PCSO.
- Keep a safe distance: Never approach or attempt to feed an alligator. Feeding alligators can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food.
- Supervise children and pets closely: Do not allow children to play near the water’s edge and always keep pets on a leash and away from the water. Alligators can perceive small animals as prey.
- Swim only in designated areas and during daylight hours: Alligators are most active at dusk and dawn. Designated swimming areas are typically monitored for safety.
- Never throw food or scraps into the water: This can attract alligators to populated areas.
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