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 park 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 officers 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.
In a statement, FWC said it a contracted nuisance alligator trapper was sent to the area and “removal efforts are ongoing.”
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.
Lake County Public Information Officer Lexi Farmer said the cow had escaped its enclosure prior to the attack and wasn’t supposed to be in the conservation area.
Pine Meadows touts a hiking trails, including one that is dog-friendly, a boat dock, kayak launch area and the Trout Lake Nature Center
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.
In May 2025, an alligator attacked and killed a woman who was canoeing with her husband near the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee. The location, which is south of Orlando, was near a spot where a woman was bitten by an alligator in March of that year, also while kayaking.
The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program uses trappers to remove alligators believed ot pose a threat to people, pets or property.
People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.
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 park closed after alligator attacks escaped cow
Reporting by Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
