A 71-year-old man died after being attacked by an alligator while fishing, authorities said Friday.
Steven Hamilton was bitten by an alligator while fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida, a city about 15 miles west of Orlando, according to a statement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
According to radio traffic records, first responders relayed reports that witnesses saw someone possibly being grabbed and pulled into the water by the alligator. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the FWC said.
The Winter Garden Police Department confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that FWC authorities captured and killed the alligator, which was approximately 12 feet long.
“Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida,” the FWC said.
In June, a 31-year-old woman died after an alligator bit off one arm and mauled the other in nearby Little Big Econ State Forest.
“Always be aware of your surroundings. Always be safe,” Winter Garden Police Chief Michael Mason told reporters, according to NBC affiliate WESH 2 News. “Local wildlife, respect it, keep your distance. It looks docile, it looks like a Florida icon, but it can be dangerous.”
Mason encouraged witnesses to the incident to call authorities for help.