Florida alligator attacks rise amid drought, spurring safety warnings

Florida officials reported three alligator attacks within two weeks, including a fatal mauling of 31‑year‑old Brittany Clark on June 28 and two non‑fatal incidents on June 21 and July 3. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission linked the rise in attacks to seasonal activity and an extreme drought that has reduced natural water sources, forcing alligators closer to residential areas.

In response, the commission renewed safety advice—maintain distance, swim only in designated areas, avoid dusk‑to‑dawn water entry, and report problem animals. Meanwhile, two TikTok influencers were investigated after posting videos of themselves petting alligators in Silver Springs State Park just days after the attacks, drawing public outrage and possible fines for wildlife harassment.