# Florida alligator attacks, June–July 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/florida-alligator-attacks-june-2026
> Updated: 2026-07-31T16:45:31.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 10.

June‑July 2026 saw an unprecedented cluster of alligator attacks in central Florida. An 8‑ft gator bit a snorkeler in the Rainbow River on June 21; a 2.6‑m animal maimed 11‑year‑old Brodie Terry on June 27, leading to amputation after officers shot the gator; on June 28, 31‑year‑old Brittany Clark was killed while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River, with DNA confirming the same 13‑ft gator; on July 3, 71‑year‑old James McMicken survived a canal‑side mauling after blinding the animal. Officials linked the surge to an extreme drought that pushed gators into residential waterways and noted a rise in risky human behavior.

State agencies intensified nuisance‑alligator trapping, euthanized several large specimens, and renewed safety advisories: keep a six‑meter distance, swim only in designated areas, avoid water at dusk‑to‑dawn, and report problem animals. A GoFundMe raised over $26,000 for Terry’s care.

Follow‑up reporting highlighted that the four attacks occurred within a two‑week span, and experts said alligator bites are roughly three times more likely to be fatal than shark bites. A Florida Museum survey found most residents would prefer a gator encounter to a shark encounter, while media focus remains on sharks. Psychology professor David March noted that alligator warnings have become routine, whereas shark warnings are perceived as sudden threats.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission noted that unprovoked alligator bites average about eight per year, with 26 fatalities since 1948, and that two additional alligators from the Econlockhatchee River were euthanized after DNA linked the larger specimen to Clark’s death. The state’s alligator population is estimated at 1.3 million across all 67 counties.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Florida Alligator Attack Kills Construction Foreman Brittany Clark

A 31‑year‑old construction foreman, Brittany Clark, died after a near‑four‑metre alligator attacked her in Florida’s Econlockhatchee River on June 28; autopsy ruled the death an accident.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-alligator-attack-kills-construction-foreman-brittany-clark

### 2026-07-23: Four Florida Alligator Attacks Highlight Higher Fatality Risk Than Shark Bites

Four recent Florida alligator attacks in June, occurring at common water sites, are three times more likely to be fatal than shark bites, yet sharks evoke greater public fear, experts say.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/four-florida-alligator-attacks-highlight-higher-fatality-risk-than-shark-bites

### 2026-07-16: Fatal Alligator Attack Kills Orlando Woman in Florida's Seminole County

A 13‑foot alligator attacked and killed 31‑year‑old Brittany Clark while she swam in Seminole County, Florida; DNA confirmed the culprit, and officials warn that risky behavior and drought‑driven habitat loss ↑

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fatal-alligator-attack-kills-orlando-woman-in-floridas-seminole-county

### 2026-07-13: Florida alligator attacks rise amid drought, spurring safety warnings

Three alligator attacks in Florida, including a fatality, are tied to drought‑driven habitat loss; officials issue safety tips as influencers face investigation for petting alligators on video.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-alligator-attacks-rise-amid-drought-spurring-safety-warnings

### 2026-07-11: Florida Alligator Attack Leaves 11-Year-Old Boy Missing Hand

An 11‑year‑old boy in Florida lost his hand after a 2.6 m alligator attacked while fishing; the animal was killed and the family has raised funds for medical costs.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-alligator-attack-leaves-11-year-old-boy-missing-hand-1

### 2026-07-06: Florida sees surge of alligator attacks, including fatal incident

Three severe Florida alligator attacks in two weeks injured a snorkeler, killed Brittany Clark, and wounded James McMicken, who fought off the gator; officials captured more gators and cite summer activity as a

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-sees-surge-of-alligator-attacks-including-fatal-incident

### 2026-07-05: Alligator Attack in Florida Kills California Woman

A 31‑year‑old California woman died after a 13‑ft alligator attacked her in Florida's Econlockhatchee River on June 28. Two alligators were euthanized; officials cite breeding season and drought as factors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alligator-attack-in-florida-kills-california-woman

### 2026-07-02: Alligator Attack Kills Briton Brittany Clark in Florida

British worker Brittany Clark, 31, died after a four‑metre alligator attacked her in Florida's Econlockhatchee River; her father blames state wildlife officials for inadequate warnings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alligator-attack-kills-briton-brittany-clark-in-florida

### 2026-06-30: Brittany Clark killed in Florida alligator attack as boyfriend battles predator

Brittany Clark, 31, was killed by a 12‑13 ft alligator in Florida’s Econlockhatchee River; boyfriend Chance Allison fought the animal, 911 audio captured the rescue attempt, and two alligators were later euthan

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-hiker-brittany-clark-killed-by-alligator-in-seminole-county-river

### 2026-06-30: Florida Alligator Attacks Kill One, Injure Two Including Child

Florida alligator attacks killed a woman and injured a child and another person; officials closed rivers, killed the offending animal and issued safety warnings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-alligator-attacks-kill-one-injure-two-including-child

---
Cite as: Florida alligator attacks, June–July 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/florida-alligator-attacks-june-2026
