A 71-year-old fisherman was posing for a photo with a fish near a pond in Orange County when a large alligator emerged from the water, bit his leg and pulled him into the pond, where he drowned. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death in an investigative report obtained by FOX 35 Orlando. I read the outlet’s summary of the report, which states the victim, Steven Hamilton, died from blunt force injuries and drowning.
The alligator measured nearly 12 feet long, according to the report. Florida officials have long warned that feeding or approaching alligators increases the risk of attacks, especially near water where the animals can move without warning. I looked up the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s summary of state law, which notes that alligators over four feet can be removed by contracted trappers if they pose a threat.
What this means for Florida homeowners
If you live near a pond, lake, drainage canal or any body of freshwater, an alligator can surface without warning, especially in warm months. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises keeping at least 30 feet away from the water’s edge, never feeding wildlife near the shoreline and watching for alligators that appear to have lost their natural fear of humans. The agency also posts active alligator complaint numbers on each county’s page.
A smaller animal that doesn’t live in the water but may use the shore for cover is the raccoon, and I’ve covered similar close encounters in a guide on getting rid of raccoons in your chimney, which explains how to spot and address daytime activity that may indicate a den nearby. Another creature that can startle a homeowner while working in the yard is the snake, and I’ve written a guide on removing a snake from a garden shed that covers how to identify the species from a safe distance and give it an easy exit.
The primary source for the alligator attack details is FOX 35 Orlando, which obtained the medical examiner’s report.
The notice is published by FOX 35 Orlando at www.fox35orlando.com.
