11-Foot Alligator Attacks and Kills Florida Woman, 85, Who Was Walking Her Dog

“The victim died as a result of the incident and has been recovered,” added the spokesperson, who went on to note that serious injuries stemming from alligator attacks are rare in Florida.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Witnesses to the attack called 911 resulting in a response from the FWC and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, according to the FWC.

A nuisance alligator trapper was dispatched to St. Lucie County following the tragic incident, according to the FWC.

“Our prayers go out to the loved ones of the victim and the Spanish Lakes' residents who knew the victim and witnessed the attack,” Sheriff Ken Mascara said in astatement released on Facebook.

In their statement to PEOPLE, the FWC said the organization “places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property.”

Around 1.3 million alligators live in Florida, according tothe FWC’s website. In 2021, nearly 9,500 nuisance alligators — described as being at least 4 feet in length and posing “a threat to people, pets or property” —were killed in the state.

Under the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), the FWC aims “to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur.”

Anyone concerned about a nuisance alligator in Florida is asked to call the FWC’s toll-free hotline at (866) 392-4286.

source: people.com