Man killed by alligator while fishing at Winter Garden park

Emergency crews responded to Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden on Friday after reports of a possible alligator attack, Winter Garden Fire Chief José Gainza told FOX 35 Orlando.

A 911 call was received around 5:20 p.m. local time, and the man's body was recovered from the water by about 7 p.m. The victim was fishing at the park when the attack occurred.

Crews had difficulty attempting a rescue due to the presence of alligators nearby, according to Chief Gainza.

Florida is home to the American alligator, which inhabits various water bodies including rivers, lakes, and swamps throughout all 67 counties, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports.

While attacks on humans are rare, the FWC has recorded 500 unprovoked alligator bites since 1948, with 32 of those being fatal.

This incident highlights the presence of alligators in the Orlando area and the importance of caution near local waterways.