5 Shocking Facts About Alligator Fatalities In Florida: The Truth Behind The Recent 2025 Attack

Despite the state's massive alligator population, fatal attacks on humans in Florida remain extremely rare, yet the recent incidents are a stark reminder of the danger. As of December 13, 2025, the Sunshine State is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event that underscores the need for constant vigilance around Florida’s waterways. These apex predators are an integral part of the ecosystem, but their presence near human habitats, especially residential ponds and recreational lakes, has led to a handful of devastating encounters over the last few years.

The latest confirmed fatality, which occurred in the spring of this year, has brought the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines back into the spotlight. Understanding the circumstances of these rare attacks—and the history behind them—is crucial for both residents and visitors seeking to coexist safely with the American Alligator.

Recent Fatal Alligator Attack Victims and Their Tragic Circumstances

While the FWC has recorded hundreds of unprovoked alligator bites since 1948, the number of resulting fatalities remains low, yet each case is a major event that captures national attention. Below is a detailed look at the two most recent confirmed fatal encounters, providing essential context to the current safety discussions.

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Cynthia Diekema (61) - Lake Kissimmee, May 2025

• Victim: Cynthia Diekema, 61, a visitor from Michigan.
• Date of Incident: May 6, 2025.
• Location: Lake Kissimmee, near Lake Kissimmee State Park, in Polk County, Florida.
• Circumstances: Diekema was canoeing with her husband when an 11-foot, four-inch American Alligator reportedly attacked their vessel, tipping it over. Her husband attempted to fight the alligator off, but the attack proved fatal. The FWC and Polk County Sheriff's deputies confirmed the fatality and the alligator was later captured and humanely killed.
• Key Entity: The alligator involved was a large male, a common factor in fatal attacks.

Gloria Serge (85) - Fort Pierce, February 2023

• Victim: Gloria Serge, 85, a resident of the Spanish Lakes Fairways retirement community.
• Date of Incident: February 20, 2023.
• Location: A retention pond at Spanish Lakes Fairways in Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County.
• Circumstances: Serge was walking her dog, a common activity around community retention ponds, when an 11-foot alligator, known to residents as "Henry," sprang from the water and attacked her. The FWC confirmed the recovery of her remains shortly after the attack. Her family subsequently filed a lawsuit against the retirement home.
• Key Entity: The attack highlighted the danger of walking pets near the water's edge, a major violation of FWC safety protocols.

5 Shocking Facts About Alligator Attacks in The Sunshine State

The narrative surrounding alligator encounters is often sensationalized, but the raw data and official statistics paint a clearer picture of the actual risk. These facts reveal a history of rare but devastating interactions between humans and Florida's most iconic reptile.

1. Fatal Attacks Are Statistically Rare, But Increasing

Since the FWC began tracking unprovoked bites in 1948, the total number of confirmed fatalities stands between 27 and 31. This number is minuscule compared to the state's population and the estimated 1.3 million alligators living across all 67 counties. However, the frequency of fatal attacks appears to be rising. Since the year 2000, there have been 15 fatalities, indicating that nearly half of all deadly encounters in Florida's history have occurred in the last two decades.

2. The "Most Dangerous" Alligators Are Removed by the Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP)

In response to public safety concerns, the FWC administers the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). This program employs trappers who are contracted to remove alligators that are deemed a threat to people, pets, or property. The volume of work is staggering: in 2016 alone, the program received 12,759 complaints, resulting in the removal of 8,050 alligators. The FWC defines a "nuisance alligator" as one that is at least four feet in length and poses a threat. The alligators involved in the 2023 and 2025 fatalities were both removed and humanely killed, often the standard protocol for gators over 4 feet that have attacked a human.

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3. Pets are a Major Trigger for Fatal Attacks

A recurring theme in fatal and major alligator attacks is the presence of domestic pets, particularly dogs. Alligators, especially large ones, view small animals like dogs as natural prey, and they are often drawn to the commotion of a dog near the water’s edge. The tragic death of Gloria Serge in 2023, who was walking her dog when she was attacked, is a prime example of this danger. The FWC's most critical safety measure is to keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge of lakes, rivers, and retention ponds.

4. Retention Ponds are Unsuspecting Hotspots

While large, natural bodies of water like Lake Kissimmee are obvious alligator habitats, many fatal attacks occur in smaller, man-made bodies of water like community retention ponds and canals. These areas, designed to manage stormwater runoff, are often surrounded by dense residential development. Alligators can easily travel between these water bodies, and the proximity to human activity increases the likelihood of a dangerous encounter. The 2023 fatality in Fort Pierce occurred in a retention pond in the middle of a retirement community, highlighting that danger can lurk in seemingly safe, suburban environments.

5. The Time of Day and Year Significantly Increases Risk

Alligators are most active during the warmer months, specifically between April and October, which coincides with their mating season and the summer tourist season. Furthermore, alligators are primarily nocturnal hunters. The FWC strongly advises that people should only swim in designated swimming areas and only during the daylight hours. Entering the water at dawn, dusk, or at night dramatically increases the risk of an encounter, as these are the times when alligators are actively foraging for food.

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Essential FWC Alligator Safety Tips for Coexistence

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasizes that the key to avoiding alligator encounters is responsible human behavior. By following these simple but vital safety rules, residents and visitors can drastically reduce their risk and promote safe coexistence with these ancient reptiles.

• Never Feed Alligators: This is the most critical rule. Feeding alligators, even unintentionally by discarding fish scraps or feeding other wildlife, causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and associate people with food, leading to aggressive behavior.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: If you spot an alligator, keep a respectful distance. Never approach, harass, or attempt to provoke an alligator.
• Keep Pets Away from Water: Always keep dogs and cats on a leash and away from the edges of lakes, ponds, and canals. Pets are easily mistaken for natural prey.
• Swim Only During Daylight Hours: Restrict swimming to designated swimming areas and avoid entering the water at night, dusk, or dawn when alligators are most active.
• Report Nuisance Alligators: If you see an alligator that you believe poses a threat to people, pets, or property (generally over four feet in length), contact the FWC’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

The American Alligator is a vital part of Florida's ecology, and the vast majority of human interactions are harmless. However, the recent 2025 fatality on Lake Kissimmee serves as a powerful and tragic reminder that these are wild, powerful predators. By adhering strictly to FWC guidelines and exercising common sense around Florida's abundant waterways, the risk of an unprovoked attack remains extremely low, ensuring both human safety and the conservation of this incredible species.