Story perspectives

12-Foot Alligator Killed After Mauled Florida Man

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 6:13 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Winter Garden police and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trappers killed the 12-foot alligator that mauled Steven Hamilton.
The attack occurred at about 5 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2026, at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced a resolution to study federal protections that hinder nuisance alligator removal.
State data show 34 people have been killed by alligators in Florida since 1948, the second fatal attack of 2026.

History

Historical Context

After the American alligator was removed from the Endangered Species List in 1987, urban expansion in South Florida has heightened human-alligator interactions. The species’ 1967 endangered listing and later recovery illustrate shifting wildlife dynamics, setting the stage for the recent fatal attack on Steven Hamilton and prompting renewed calls for state-level management.

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Story summary

Winter Garden police and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trappers killed the 12-foot alligator that mauled Steven Hamilton.
The attack occurred at about 5 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2026, at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park near Lake Apopka.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced a resolution to study federal protections that hinder nuisance alligator removal.
State data show 34 people have been killed by alligators in Florida since 1948, the second fatal attack of 2026.

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