Alligator bites, deadly attacks in Florida: Year-by-Year breakdown

Name: Family remembers woman killed in alligator attack in Central Florida
Uploaded: 2026-06-30T16:48:19-04:00
Description: The family of a 31-year-old woman who died after an alligator attack in Central Florida is remembering her as adventurous, kind, and someone who loved the outdoors.

Family remembers woman killed in alligator attack in Central Florida

The family of a 31-year-old woman who died after an alligator attack in Central Florida is remembering her as adventurous, kind, and someone who loved the outdoors.

Three people in Central Florida were attacked by an alligator in the span of one week. One attack resulted in the death of an Orlando woman.

Though the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains that these instances are rare, the agency continues to warn people to stay cautious around Florida's waters.

Data released by the FWC – recorded as early as 1973 – shows that 32 people died from unprovoked alligator bites. Though 2026 data is not yet released, the agency reported that Brittany Clark died on June 28 after a deadly alligator bite at Little Big Econ Park in Geneva.

Brittany Clark, 31, died after she was attacked by an alligator in Seminole County on June 28, 2026. (Source: Nathan Clark)

First death reported in Seminole County

Brittany Clark was hiking with her boyfriend and friends in the Little Big Econ State Forest when she stopped to swim in about three feet of water in the Econlockhatchee River, officials confirmed.

According to released FWC data, Clark's death is the first reported in Seminole County. Pinellas and Lee County were reported to have the highest unprovoked alligator deaths, recorded with four deaths each.

Clark was bitten by an alligator on both arms, resulting in serious injuries, the FWC said. She was transported to the hospital as a trauma alert, where she later died, officials said.

FWC Public Information Officer Chad Weber said Clark's boyfriend was trying to free her from the alligator's mouth when first responders were called.

Alligator trappers located and killed two alligators – measuring 12 and 13 feet – believed to have killed Clark.

The FWC provided a list of deaths by alligator bite from 1973-2025. (Graphic created with the use AI)

Major, minor, deadly bites

By the numbers:

The FWC recorded the number of unprovoked wild alligator bites, which the agency defined as bites that "were not provoked by handling or intentional harassment."

Data is categorized by major, minor and fatal bites.

Major: The victims’ injuries required medical care, beyond first aid, to treat wounds. This data includes fatal bites.
Minor: The victims’ injuries were superficial and required no treatment beyond first aid.

In addition to Clark's death in June, a man snorkeling in the Rainbow River in Rainbow Springs State Park was hurt by an alligator, the FWC said after receiving reports on June 21. He was hospitalized for his injuries.

On June 27, a child was bitten on the hand by an alligator while fishing from the shore, the FWC said. The child was fishing at Nelson's Outdoor Resort – a camping and fishing destination formerly known as Nelson's Fish Camp – in Umatilla and was transported to the hospital for their injuries, authorities said.

"Every body of water could potentially have an alligator in it," Weber said on June 29. "… There is some risk when you swim in the bodies of water in the state of Florida."

The FWC provided a list of alligator bite incidents from 200-2025. (Graphic created with the use AI)

Earliest recorded Florida alligator death

Sharon Holmes, 16, was the earliest recorded death in documents provided by the FWC. She was killed by an 11' 3" alligator while swimming at Oscar Scherer State Park in Sarasota County on Aug. 16, 1973.

Adults make up the majority of alligator-related deaths: FWC

According to FWC records dating back to 1973, the majority of deaths resulting from alligator incidents were in adults. In the span of 52 years, nine children died from unprovoked alligator bites.

Here's a list of people who have died from an alligator attack in Florida: