The search is on for an alligator that attacked a cow in the more than 700-acre Pine Meadows Conservation Area on Monday, April 27, shutting down the area to visitors and forcing the euthanasia of the cow.
Pine Meadows is a yawning natural area in Lake County northwest of Orlando.
According to information posted to Lake County’s website, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tried to find the alligator after the attack but was unable to locate it. Traps have been set for the gator and FWC will continue the search this week.
Lake County officials said the attack is a reminder that it’s alligator mating season and people should use caution around bodies of water.
“Mating season in Florida begins in April with courtship, followed by peak mating activity in May and June,” Lake County notes. “During this time, alligators are more active, making it especially important for residents and visitors ro remain alert near water.”
It wasn’t immediately known how large the cow was, but a calf that was with it was taken to the Lake County Animal Shelter.
Safety tips to remember during alligator mating season
Beware of your surroundings and know that alligators are ubiquitous in Florida and can live in almost any body of water.
They can be found under vehicles, on golf courses and in storm drains.
Don’t feed alligators, which is against the law, but also encourages them to be attracted to humans. Avoid walking your dog near water where an alligator could be, which is just about everywhere.
Be aware of signs of the presence of alligators.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for more inforamtion.
Kimberly Miller is a journalist for the USA TODAY NETWORK FLORIDA. She covers weather, the environment and critters as the Embracing Florida reporter. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida officials search for alligator that brutally attacked cow
Reporting by Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
