Nearly 10-foot alligator removed after woman bitten in Marion County

A woman was bitten by an alligator while swimming in the Silver River in Marion County, prompting the nearly 10-foot-long creature's removal, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). FWC said Good Samaritans pulled the woman from the water and brought her to shore before she was taken to the hospital. Wildlife officials later removed the alligator they believe may have been responsible for the attack. FWC noted that serious alligator injuries are rare but advised people to always keep their distance and remain alert near water. “Growing up my whole life in Florida, I’ve never had a summer with this many attacks by alligators in Florida. It’s kind of crazy,” Josh Swander, a local tour guide, said. “It is unfortunate, but cool to know that there are people out there that are looking out for complete strangers.” Swander added, “I come out here all the time, and I know the river very well. This river, they don’t allow swimming out here. We’re entering their environment.” FWC also reminded people that the best way to stay safe around alligators is to keep a safe distance and swim only during daylight hours. Data shows that Florida is home to one of the largest alligator populations in the U.S., second only to Louisiana, which has an estimated three million. Wild alligators live in 11 states, but Florida accounts for a significant share of serious and fatal encounters. So far in 2026, there have been four reported alligator attacks in the U.S., including one fatal incident in Central Florida. Since 1980, at least 39 people have died from alligator attacks nationwide. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.