Emergency responders recovered the body of a man following a fatal wildlife encounter on Friday afternoon. Officials stated that the incident took place near a retention pond connected to lake apopka in Winter Garden.
Authorities received an emergency call around 5 p.m. directing crews to Dr. Bradford Memorial Park. According to police and fire rescue leadership, a local fisherman had been targeted by a large reptile while stationed along the shoreline.
Details of the Fatal Encounter Involving a Fisherman
The victim was identified by wildlife officials as 71-year-old Steven Hamilton. Investigators noted that he was engaging in recreational fishing when the attack occurred near the water body.
Rescue swimmers faced immediate obstacles because reptiles were active in the vicinity, preventing personnel from entering the water directly. Instead, crews worked to recover the victim's remains using alternative methods while monitoring the surrounding aquatic environment.
Removal of the Alligator
Following the emergency response, a contracted nuisance wildlife trapper arrived at the location. Officials confirmed that an 11-foot-8-inch alligator was subsequently removed from the area.
Local law enforcement officials noted that seeing large reptiles in this region is common due to the dense population inhabiting lake apopka. Investigators from Winter Garden police and state wildlife agencies are currently conducting a joint review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Public Safety and Reporting Information
State wildlife representatives emphasized that serious injuries resulting from such wildlife interactions remain uncommon in Florida. The agency maintains a dedicated statewide hotline for residents who encounter animals they believe pose a threat to people, pets, or property.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the event to reach out directly to the local police department detective handling the case.
Sources: WESH, FOX 35 Orlando, The Guardian.
