LAKE WALES, Fla — Florida Fish and Wildlife said a woman was attacked and killed by an alligator that was over 11 feet long near Lake Kissimmee.
WATCH: Woman who was canoeing with her husband died after alligator attack near Lake Kissimmee: FWC
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said they were called around 4 p.m. after Cynthia Diekema, 61, from Davenport and her husband were canoeing near the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee. The couple went over an alligator in about two feet of water in a canoe. The alligator thrashed, tipping the canoe over and the woman landed on top of the animal. FWC said her husband attempted to save his wife, but the alligator bit the woman.
Watch update from Florida Fish and Wildlife
Diekema's body was later recovered from the water and she was declared deceased.
FWC said a nuisance trapper was dispatched to the area, and an 11'4" alligator was located there. Trappers also found a second 10 to 11-foot alligator.
FWC officials said this is an active time for alligators and strongly encourage the public to keep their distance from the animals.
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