An alligator that bit off a woman’s arm at Wekiva Island in Seminole County Saturday has been captured and killed.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the male alligator, which was 8 feet 9 inches in length and weighed 300-350 pounds, was trapped at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.
FWC said the trapped gator fit the description of the one that attacked 37-year-old Rachael D. Lilienthal of Orlando, so it was euthanized. Trappers then cut into the gator's stomach and discovered bits of Lilienthal's arm, FWC said.
Lilienthal was swimming in a remote area when the alligator bit her at least twice and her right arm was severed above the elbow.
Several witnesses saw her swimming in the river when it happened.
“We heard somebody yelling from behind the bridge saying, 'Somebody get a boat, somebody’s arm been bit off by an alligator,' and everyone just started going crazy,” said witness Vonda Payne.
Payne also said nearby canoers and kayakers saw the gator bite her arm and pull her underwater. She said they started attacking the gator with their paddles and pulled the woman to shore.
“She was in the water swimming, backstroking, just swimming. We saw a lot of stuff turning in the water,” said Payne.
Lilienthal was transported by Seminole County Fire and Rescue to Orlando Regional Medical Center for treatment.
A Wekiva Island worker said an alligator hasn’t attacked anyone swimming near the attraction in 6 years. However, there are signs warning people about the gators.