Woman dies after alligator attack in Florida river, boyfriend attempts rescue

A 31-year-old woman from Orlando died after a large alligator attacked her while she was swimming in the Econlockhatchee River at Little Big Econ State Forest on Sunday. The reptile lunged from three feet of water, clamping onto both of the woman's arms and tearing one off, according to officials.

Her boyfriend, who was with her and a friend, jumped into the water and attempted to pull her from the animal's jaws, a 911 call later obtained by local media showed. He called emergency services, describing severe injuries and rapid blood loss. The woman was taken to a hospital but died en route.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson Chad Weber said the victim's identity has not been released and that investigators found no evidence of provocation by the swimmers. He noted that low water levels and territorial behavior during the alligator mating season, which began in early April, may have contributed to the attack.

Two alligators, one about 12 feet long near the scene and another about 13 feet at the site, were captured after the incident. DNA samples are being analyzed to determine which animal was responsible. FWC Lieutenant Grant Eller said the larger gator is a likely candidate.

The incident follows a recent series of alligator attacks in Florida that have injured a boy and a teenager, highlighting concerns about increased aggression during the mating season.