local
'Bad. Real bad.' 911 call captures panic after fatal gator attack; juvenile also bitten
By ABC 12 at KTXS (ABC 12) Abilene News
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
A 31-year-old Orlando woman died after an alligator attack while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River, officials say. A juvenile was also bitten in a separate Central Florida incident. Two large gators were captured.
Key takeaway A juvenile was also bitten in a separate Central Florida incident.
Why this matters in Abilene News
While the fatal alligator attack occurred in Central Florida, the incident raises concerns for local residents in Abilene who enjoy outdoor activities near waterways. Although alligator sightings are rare in Taylor County, the presence of these animals in nearby regions warrants awareness and caution. As Abilene's residents engage in recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, or boating in local lakes and rivers, they should be mindful of their surroundings and keep a safe distance from wildlife. The capture of two large gators in the Florida incident also highlights the importance of wildlife management and control measures in preventing such attacks. Local authorities and wildlife experts in Abilene should take note of this incident and review their protocols for handling alligator sightings and encounters to ensure public safety.
About this story
Original reporting by KTXS (ABC 12) Abilene News . Abilene News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTXS (ABC 12) Abilene News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KTXS (ABC 12) Abilene News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 31-year-old Orlando woman died after an alligator attack while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River, officials say. A juvenile was also bitten in a separate Central Florida incident. Two large gators were captured.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KTXS (ABC 12) Abilene News and curated for Abilene News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABC 12 at KTXS (ABC 12) Abilene News. To learn more about how Abilene News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Abilene News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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