A 31-year-old woman from Orlando has died after being attacked by a large alligator while swimming at a river north of Orlando, in central Florida. The attack happened on Sunday, according to officials.
The woman was swimming with friends in about three feet of water when the alligator attacked. She was bitten on both of her arms, and her boyfriend desperately tried to pry her from the animal's mouth.
Despite the efforts to save her, the woman died on the way to the hospital. Officials later said they had caught two alligators in the area where she was attacked.
The death was described as the third alligator attack in central Florida in the past week, drawing attention to the risks posed by the animals in the region's waterways.
In the other recent incidents, officials said a child fishing at a resort was bitten on the hand, while a snorkeler was mauled at a state park. Together, the cases have raised concern over the recent cluster of encounters.
Authorities stressed that alligator attacks remain rare. However, they cautioned that there is always a risk in any body of water in Florida, where the animals are widespread.
The incidents come during a period of heavy summer activity around lakes, rivers and resorts, with officials urging people to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings when near the water.