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Florida Hiker Fatally Mauled by Alligator; Two Large Gators Captured for DNA Testing

Authorities are testing the captured animals for DNA to identify the attacker, examining whether low water or seasonal behavior raised encounter risk.

Overview

  • Brittany Clark, 31, was grabbed while wading in roughly 3 feet of water and later died of her injuries after the attack on June 28, officials said.
  • Released bodycam footage and 911 audio show a Seminole County deputy and bystanders rushing to the riverbank and a deputy preparing a tourniquet as Clark bled.
  • FWC trappers recovered two large alligators measured at about 12 and 13 feet, humanely euthanized them and sent tissue to a Gainesville lab for forensic DNA testing to determine which animal attacked.
  • Clark’s boyfriend and friends have described her final moments and are planning funeral arrangements, and social media responses have ranged from tributes to hostile criticism.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife officials note that unprovoked alligator bites are rare but cite about eight bites a year and 26 fatal attacks since 1948, and they say low water and seasonal behavior can concentrate gators and raise encounter risk.