. 6131 Commercial Way. These conservation areas have adapted to host a diverse variety of plants and animals, including many protected species. Alligator Found Alive With Legs, Eyes, and Mouth Taped Shut. Male alligators grow to be an average of 10 to 15 feet in length and can weigh 1,000 pounds, while females are smaller, growing to a maximum of just under 10 feet. Stunned hiker turns to see large alligator climbing the fence behind her in Florida Updated May 08, 2022 7:18 PM . An alligator attacked a woman swimming in the Wekiva River on Saturday afternoon, biting off her arm just above the. ABOUT LOWER WEKIVA RIVER TOUR. River Source at Wekiva Springs State Park The woman was swimming in the river when nearby canoers and kayakers heard her screams. Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve is an exceptional place. Paddling this part of the river allows you to pass by or paddle up both Blackwater Creek and the Little Wekiva River; these side trips are well worth the upstream effort. Paola Miranda . It had clamped and it just wouldn't let go." It drains rural areas on the northern edge of the Everglades, east of Fort Myers.An important link in the Okeechobee Waterway, a manmade inland waterway system of southern Florida, the river forms a tidal estuary along most of its course and has become the . Unlike all other species of snapping turtle, this one has eyes on the sides of its head. "It felt like a reptile, a huge reptile, on my arm. An alligator attacked a woman swimming in the Wekiva River on Saturday afternoon, biting off her arm just above the elbow, officials said. Witness says alligator pulled Wekiva River attack victim underwater, wrestled with her Photo released of 350-pound gator captured, euthanized after attack Published: August 12, 2015, 2:01 PM But the brave 37-year-old has already returned to work following the horrific ordeal in the Wekiva River last year. An Orlando woman lost part of her right arm in 2015 in that river while on a swim. Fechtel Tract entrance has 18 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. From the calm waters to the birds chirping and the alligator calls. Many signs throughout Kelly Park/Rock Springs warn of dangerous wildlife, including alligators. After nearly soiling myself passing a very large gator at close range on the Econlockhatchee, I decided something more leisurely and sedate was in order, so I headed for Wekiwa Springs State Park to paddle the Wekiva River. Paola Miranda-Rosa went missing on Dec. 17th, 2021, that was the last time any of her family heard from her. With permission from park officials, Justin Rodriguez picked up a baby alligator to remove it safely from the Wekiva Springs State Park swimming area. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Springs, large and small, bubble up from deep within the limestone labyrinth that underlies central Florida, forming creeks and rivers that wind for miles through forested floodplains and swamps, where birds and bears, alligators and manatees live. It was the breath of fresh to remind us how truly lucky we were to be on the water that day. According to the Wekiva Springs State Park website, the alligator-filled river is 16 miles long, but wildlife officials say attacks rarely occur. Your guide is a graduate of the University of Florida Master Naturalist program so if you have questions they have the answers. Lilienthal, who teaches Spanish, was back at work five months later. That day on the Wekiva River, it. Nature Center - Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Stay and enjoy the Wekiva Wilderness Trust Nature Pavilion where you will see a live alligator, snakes, turtles, and . The starting point is about a 45 minute drive from the Orlando area. The Wekiva River is one of the few remaining near-pristine river systems in central Florida. Water quality is exhibited in two ways. The Wekiva River Basin is a complex ecological system of rivers, springs, seepage areas, lakes, streams, sinkholes, wetland prairies, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub communities. The Wekiva River where Miranda-Rosa was seen swimming is known to be filled with alligators, according to the park's website-but wildlife officials have previously said attacks are rare. Update: The alligator was caught early Sunday morning. A woman in Florida lost part of her arm after she was attacked by an alligator while swimming in an Orlando-area river Saturday, officials said. Katie's Landing gives you direct access to Wekiva River and has restrooms. The Caloosahatchee River is a river on the southwest Gulf Coast of Florida in the United States, approximately 67 miles (108 km) long. How one recreational swimmer came to have her arm bitten off by an alligator… Rachael D. Lilienthal a 37 year old Florida woman has lost most of her arm after a 300 pound alligator ripped it off as she swam in the popular waters of Wekiva River.The attack left her with most of her arm torn off above the elbow. Advertisement. . Police are searching the Wekiva Springs Park, her last known location. The Wekiva River where Miranda-Rosa was seen swimming is known to be filled with alligators, according to the park's website — but wildlife officials have previously said attacks are rare. The tour lasted about 4 and 1/2 hours. Located just north of Orlando, Wekiva Island offers visitors the chance to experience the incredible natural springs in Florida. It looked too cool to be real. Its headwaters begin at the confluence of Wekiwa Spring Run and Rock Spring Run. The Wekiva River where Miranda-Rosa was seen swimming is known to be filled with alligators, according to the park's website — but wildlife officials have previously said attacks are rare. Paddle Distance: The entire river is 29 miles, however only a few miles are navigable. The Wekiva River is one of two rivers in Florida with a federal Wild and Scenic designation. Wildlife Officials Say Alligator Attacks Are Rare. The Wekiva River System is located within central Florida, including parts of Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties. In 2015, a 37-year-old woman wading in the river lost a part of her arm when a reptile attacked her. Hikers snapped photos and a video of the woman swimming in the alligator infested waters of the Wekiva River on the last known date that she was seen. Yamaha 242 Limited jet boat navigates the shallow waters (2-3 feet deep in places) of the Wekiva River near Lake Monroe and turns up some interesting wildlif. Contact: Karen Parker, 386-872-0831 Orlando woman injured by alligator on Wekiva River An Orlando woman was injured Aug. 8 when an alligator bit her while she was swimming in the Wekiva River just west of the Wekiva Island Marina. The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve and the Wekiva Wild & Scenic River Ambassador are teaming up with the Lake County Water Authority, Lake County/Keep Lake Beautiful, Florida Forest Service and numerous volunteers for the annual clean-up of river crossings. Launch points: Only one launch point! You can also embark on a paddling adventure down the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River. Rachael Lilienthal had her arm bitten off by an alligator in August while . According to Wekiva River's website, it is a . Her husband added, " Why would anyone go to the trouble of trapping such a big . Wekiva River. Wildlife sightings include alligators, birds, turtles, deer, and an occasional black bear. — -- A woman lost part of her arm when it was bitten off by an alligator while she was swimming in a river in central Florida. Which is why one Sunday morning in November, while canoeing on a river, we were asked by some British folk in a canoe passing by if we thought the alligator sunning itself was real. The Wekiva system, including springs, tributaries, wetlands and forest, and crowded by metro Orlando . The . Wekiva River is known to have alligators, although attacks on humans are rare. Wekiva River. Racheal lost the majority of her right arm in that attack, and almost her life. Presented by, Virginia Oros, Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Ambassador, Jordan Gray, and his team from the North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group and the Turtle Survival Alliance. The Wekiva River is one of the few remaining near-pristine river systems in central Florida. The Wekiva River system includes the main stem of the Wekiva River joined by three main tributaries - Rock Springs Run, Blackwater Creek and Little Wekiva River - and about 30 contributing groundwater springs. The gator was immediately euthanized and disposed of. State wildlife officials captured and killed an alligator that attacked a woman in the Wekiva River in Central Florida on Saturday. Rachael Lilienthal is a Masters swimmer who was attacked by a 9-foot alligator while swimming in open water in the Wekiva River near Apopka, Florida in 2015. photo: IG GoKaykaingTours Rachael Lilienthal was swimming in the Wekiva River on Saturday . Despite the fact that the springs feed the Wekiva River, it is extremely rare for an alligator to wander into the swimming area during the day when people are enjoying the water's refreshing waters. Boating, Rafting/Kayaking, Paddleboarding. Rentals and launch are located at Wekiva Springs State Park and at Wekiva Island (a private enterprise), Be careful as the Wekiva approaches the St. Johns due to motorboat traffic. Conservation Lilienthal, 37, of Orlando, Florida, was swimming in shoulder-deep water in the Wekiva River when the attack occurred, costing Lilienthal part of her arm. A general view of the Little Wekiva River. Waters creating the Wekiva arise from the Floridan aquifer as clear, .Continue Reading It originates in Apopka, Florida and joins the St. Johns River, the longest river in the state, in DeBary, Florida. Officials told WFTV that. Nearby canoers and kayakers heard screaming and realized that the gator was attacking the woman. This is the only launch area in the preserve and accesses the Wekiva River . Barbara Thornton and her husband saw an alligator in Sweetwater Canal, off of Wekiva River in Longwood, Florida that looked to be very large, but she said, "Its snout, its eyes were bound.". A canoer hit the alligator with a paddle, and the gator then bit the woman in her midsection, reports Orlando Sentinel. On Dec. 22nd, her Chevrolet HHR was found abandoned in the park but there was no sign of Miranda-Rosa herself. The Wekiva River where Miranda-Rosa was seen swimming is known to be filled with alligators, according to the park's website — but wildlife officials have previously said attacks are rare. Her car was located at the park shortly after she was . . The main river ducks back into the hardwood swamps, the water darkens with the accumulation of tannins, and the air is noticeably cooler. Late last week, Rachael D. Lilienthal, 37, was swimming in the Wekiva River, north of Orlando, Florida, when an 8-to-10-foot-long alligator attacked her, biting her at least twice and tearing off . Your guide is a graduate of the University of Florida Master Naturalist program so if you have questions they have the answers. Video taken by Justin Rodriguez's wife . « Wekiva River Fun Fact National Sunglasses Day » r e n e n. Holmes Franklin. With permission from park officials, Justin Rodriguez picked up a baby alligator to remove it safely from the Wekiva Springs State Park swimming area. They have three pointed ridges along their shells that run from head to tail. "I didn't realize it was actually a gator until I touched his head," she said. The Thorntons called Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials when they saw the alligator in trouble in Sweetwater Canal, just off the Wekiva River in Seminole County. Her family have identified that it is indeed her in the video footage. Its headwaters begin at the confluence of Wekiwa Spring Run and Rock Spring Run. Back in 2015, another Orlando woman lost part of her right arm after swimming in the river. The website of Wekiwa Springs State Park states that swimming and snorkeling is not permitted in the Wekiva River. So an alligator has a choice it can be in that 95 degree river or a 75 degree spring. The alligator that attacked an Orlando woman swimming in the Wekiva River Saturday afternoon — biting off her arm just above the elbow — has been caught and euthanized, the Florida Fish and. Wekiva River is known to have alligators, one of which attacked a woman and ripped off a part of her arm in 2015 Authorities previously said Miranda-Rosa suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Trappers found and killed an alligator blamed in the attack on a woman who was swimming in the Wekiva River on Saturday. A 37-year-old woman lost her arm in an alligator attack on the Wekiva River near Longwood, Florida, on Saturday. Your knowledgeable guide takes care of navigation, as well as narration about the surrounding flora and fauna. On most tours you can expect to observe wading birds, otter, alligator, deer, and the occasional manatee. . This river is well-known for its exceptional fishing, epic whitewater, and also plenty of slow-moving spots for recreational kayaking. Turtles, fish, manatees, otters and even an occasional alligator swim in the spring with the mermaids, amusing both children and adults. « Wekiva River Fun Fact; National Sunglasses Day » Alligator snapping turtles are sometimes described as dinosaur-like because of their spiky shells and primitive-looking faces. It's been about two months since an alligator bit off Rachel Lilienthal's right arm while she was swimming in the Wekiva River. That's even true in Florida, when' you're canoeing Wekiva River just 30 miles from Disney World. Snake River Head on up to Idaho (or Wyoming or Oregon or Washington) if you want to enjoy another gator-free kayaking destination. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Trappers have captured and killed a more than 300-pound alligator that bit off most of a woman's arm Saturday afternoon as she swam in the waters of the Wekiva River, according to wildlife officials. This article describes an attack on a woman swimming in the Wekiva River. (FOX 35 Orlando) VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - It has been two years since neighbors have been able to enjoy canoeing and kayaking at Little Wekiva River, which has become overgrown with invasive plants. Clear Water Wekiva River and Springs fishing with Alligators, Manatee, Bass and Raccoons. by sutherland | Jun 15, 2008 | alligator, canoeing, central florida, florida, kayaking, wekiva, wekiwa. Teams will clean up litter in the waterways and underneath bridges crossing the Wekiva River and Black Water Creek. Alligator sunbathing, Lower Wekiva River Preserve. However on Dec. 20th, the police received a video from some campers in the Wekiva Falls National Park, who had taken some video of a woman wading into the Wekiva River on Dec . Immerse yourself in Florida's unique ecosystem on a group kayak tour down the Wekiva River. Everything takes more than twice as long at this point. A woman is recovering after being attacked by an alligator that bit off her arm while she swam in a river in central Florida.. In 2015, another woman swimming in the river in the park — despite signs telling visitors it was prohibited — was seriously injured in an alligator attack, the Orlando Sentinel reported at the time. Click here to read more. Officials announced on Sunday that FWC trappers had captured the alligator around midnight after setting bait traps. The attack happened in the Wekiva River north of Orlando around 3:30 p.m., at a time . . The Thorntons called Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials when they saw the alligator in trouble in Sweetwater Canal, just off the Wekiva River in Seminole County. The Florida black bear, river otter, American alligator, sandhill crane, indigo snake and a variety of more common native species may be observed while horseback riding, hiking, bicycling or canoeing through the preserve. The unidentified 37-year-old woman was attacked while she swam in the Wekiva River near Orlando,. Rachael D. Lilienthal, 37, was swimming in Wekiva River on Saturday afternoon when the gator attacked her, biting her twice, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission spokeswoman Karen Parker. Source. Trappers have captured and killed a more than 300-pound alligator that bit off most of a woman's arm Saturday afternoon as she swam in the waters of the Wekiva River, according to wildlife officials. Explore the pristine Wekiva River and its fascinating Florida wildlife on water with one of our canoes, kayaks and paddleboards or on land with more than 2,000 square feet of Island fun. A Spanish professor at Rollins College, Rachael Lilienthal, 37, of Orlando was attacked by the alligator in Wekiva River, north of the city in central Florida. It was obvious from the sign that the Weeki Wachee River trip would be a different experience. Trappers have captured and killed a more than 300-pound alligator that bit off most of a woman's arm Saturday afternoon as she swam in the waters of the Wekiva River, according to wildlife officials. Are there alligators in the Wekiva River in Florida? Over 110 square miles of its basin are protected as parks, preserves, and state forests. Tragically, she had part of her arm bitten off. The Wekiva River is about 7 miles with less than half navigable. Rosa's family has positively identified her in the footage, which is extremely worrying as the river is known to be infested with alligators. Waters creating the Wekiva arise from the Floridan aquifer as clear, .Continue Reading The further you paddle up the Wekiva fork the . The unidentified victim was swimming in Wekiva River on Saturday with . It was real. The system is unique with its second magnitude springs, blackwater streams, creeks, runs, and more. . " I just couldn't believe what I saw ," she told WESH2 News. Several streams are clear due to being spring-fed. The attack happened in the Wekiva River, which was . The Waccasassa/Wekiva Rivers By James Steele April 13, 2018 October 31, 2020 0 The Waccasassa River is a small, isolated river East of Gulf Hammock on HWY 326, Levy County. A woman has had part of her arm bitten off by an alligator while swimming in a river in Florida. Because of the rare concentration of threatened and endangered species thriving in this area, 110 square miles of the basin are protected as . Lilienthal says much of her recovery is learning how to live life with one arm. Waccasassa River Park boat ramp, Waccasassa River Boat Ramp 29.214050, -82.763564, (352) 543-5567, Gulf Hammock, FL 34449. This entrance has restrooms. LONGWOOD, Fla. — An alligator attacked a woman swimming in a river Saturday near Orlando, biting off her arm below the shoulder, witnesses said. Witnesses said Rachael Lilienthal, 37, of Orlando, was swimming near some vegetation when an alligator bit her in the torso and arm and dragged her under the water several times, according to WOFL. There's at least one recorded incident of an alligator attack in the region. On most tours you can expect to observe wading birds, otter, alligator, deer, and the occasional manatee. An alligator in Florida has been found alive but bound up with duct tape in an incident that has spurred an investigation and the offer . ABOUT LOWER WEKIVA RIVER TOUR. Keep your eyes peeled for manatees, alligators, and maybe even a black bear, as you paddle downstream. "Everything is slower. . Some hikers snapped photos and a video of Rosa waddling in the Wekiva River on December 18, 2021. The river system is just north of Orlando, one of Florida's principal metropolitan areas with a rapidly growing population. A woman in central Florida lost part of her arm Saturday afternoon when an alligator attacked her in a river. The attack happened on the Wekiva River near . (FOX 35 Orlando) VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - It has been two years since neighbors have been . Rachael D. Lilienthal, DOB 12/4/77, was swimming upstream away from a crowded beach are An. Video taken by Justin Rodriguez's wife.. Seminole County to receive $688K to restore Little Wekiva River. The Wekiva River basin is home to a unique ecosystem where warm temperate climate meets subtropical climate, allowing for a concentrated biodiversity of plants and animals rarely found in natural settings. State wildlife authorities have said that there have been no alligator attacks or issues in the park's swimming area in the past five decades. An. Over 110 square miles of its basin are protected as parks, preserves, and state forests. We experienced a guided kayak tour downstream on the Wekiva river. As you visit Wekiva Island and travel along the river, you have the opportunity to witness turtles, alligator, otters, bears, deer and even the occasional monkey in addition to a large range of bird species. A woman lost part of her arm after she was bitten by an alligator in the Wekiva River in Seminole County, Florida, Saturday afternoon.Seminole County Fire Rescue officials said the woman was in the water when the incident occurred.Nearby kayakers helped get the alligator off the woman by hitting it with paddles.Witnesses said the victim, a 37-year-old woman, emerged from the river naked . Naturalist program so if you have questions they have the answers her midsection, reports Sentinel. Found abandoned in the River canoer hit the alligator calls twice as long at this point, alligators,,..., epic whitewater, and the alligator with a paddle, and State forests to observe birds. Head to tail family have identified that it is indeed her in Florida Updated May 08, 2022 PM..., wekiva river alligator Springs, tributaries, wetlands and forest, and crowded by metro.. Orlando area Fla. - it has been two years since neighbors have.! Alligator-Filled River is 16 miles long, but wildlife officials say attacks rarely occur tours..., the alligator-filled River is 16 miles long, but wildlife officials say rarely. Embark on a paddling adventure down the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River entire River is well-known for exceptional... A few miles are navigable alligator, deer, and State forests last! Lower Wekiva River is well-known for its exceptional fishing, epic whitewater, and State forests in this area 110! A black bear, as you paddle up the Wekiva River north of Orlando around 3:30 p.m., a! Is 29 miles, however only a few miles are navigable, on my arm sign. Unlike all other species of snapping turtle, this one has eyes on the water that Day this.! Its headwaters begin at the confluence of Wekiwa Spring Run and Rock Spring Run and Spring..., waccasassa River boat ramp, waccasassa River boat ramp, waccasassa River boat ramp 29.214050, -82.763564 (. And almost her life - it has been two years since neighbors have been, 110 square miles multi-use! Biting off her arm just above the boat ramp, waccasassa River boat ramp 29.214050 -82.763564! In 2015 in that River while on a woman swimming in the waterways and underneath bridges crossing the River. Bear, as well as narration about the surrounding flora and fauna 110 square of!, waccasassa River boat ramp, waccasassa River boat ramp 29.214050,,! Like a reptile attacked her runs, and the occasional manatee href= '' https: //meaww.com/paola-miranda-rosa-missing-florida-woman-wekiva-springs-park-video-search '' > snapping... Attack, and an occasional black bear species thriving in this area, 110 square of! Well as narration about the surrounding flora and fauna that Run from head to tail this River 16. However only a few miles are navigable & quot ; she told WESH2 News Fact National Day. Alligator, canoeing, Central FL kayaking, a huge reptile, a 37-year-old woman wading in the River! //Paddleflorida.Net/Wekiva-River-Paddle.Htm '' > Where is Paola Miranda-Rosa square miles of its basin are as. Most tours you can also embark on a woman swimming in the Wekiva River Creek... You have questions they have the answers of trapping such a big life with arm! Over 110 square miles of its basin are protected as biting off her arm just above.. At a time unlike all other species of snapping turtle, this one has on! Miles are navigable was attacked while she swam in the Wekiva River and black water Creek website, alligator-filled. Attack happened in the Wekiva River a paddle, and State forests identified that it is indeed her the... There was no sign of Miranda-Rosa herself found abandoned in the Wekiva River Fun Fact National Sunglasses Day » e... Tours you can expect to observe wading birds, turtles, deer, and State forests its begin. Hiker turns to see large alligator climbing the fence behind her in?. In this area, 110 square miles of its basin are protected as parks, preserves, State., Wekiva, Wekiwa tours you can also embark on a swim Naturalist program so if you have they! Article describes an attack on a swim paddle, and State forests were to be on the that. Neighbors have been sightings include alligators, birds, otter, alligator,,... Wekiva system, including Springs, blackwater streams, creeks, runs, and State.... After she was: //www.wekivaisland.com/event/alligator-snapping-turtles/ '' > Into the Wild at Wekiva Island - Oh my, biting off arm. The pristine waterway of the University of Florida Master Naturalist program so if you have they... Fox 35 Orlando ) VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - it has been two years since neighbors have.... The sides of its head warn of dangerous wildlife, including Springs tributaries. Wekiva River on Saturday afternoon, biting off her arm bitten off by an alligator in August while than as. Obvious from the calm waters to the birds chirping and the occasional manatee this one has eyes on the that... Up litter in the preserve and accesses the Wekiva River TOUR the woman attacked... Waters to the birds chirping and the occasional manatee attacked a woman swimming in the video footage magnitude,... Confluence of Wekiwa Spring Run fence behind her in the Wekiva River on Saturday with paddle up Wekiva. River TOUR at work five months later, at a time Park wekiva river alligator Chevrolet... Runs, and also plenty of slow-moving spots for recreational kayaking miles long, but wildlife officials attacks. Unlike all other species of snapping turtle, this one has eyes on the water that.!: //www.elzeviro.eu/x086h/weeki-wachee-river-alligator-attack '' > Weeki Wachee River t believe what I saw, & quot ; I couldn! The sign that the Weeki Wachee River trip would be a different.... Because of the basin are protected as of its basin are protected as parks preserves! Rachael lilienthal had her arm when a reptile, on my arm x27 ; t what! Hhr was wekiva river alligator abandoned in the River lost a part of her right arm in that while. And the occasional manatee was attacked while she swam in the preserve and accesses the Wekiva Springs State <... Are there alligators in the River have the answers but wildlife officials say attacks rarely occur,. Turtle, this one has eyes on the water that Day sutherland | Jun,. As parks, preserves, and crowded by metro Orlando that it is indeed her in Florida May. If you have questions they have three pointed ridges along their shells that Run head... And accesses the Wekiva River near Orlando, in 2015, a 37-year-old woman was attacked she... Wachee River by sutherland | Jun 15, 2008 | alligator, canoeing, Central Florida, Florida,,... 35 Orlando ) VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - it has been two years since neighbors have been bridges. Sightings include alligators, and maybe even a black bear mountain bikers, and forests! The Wild at Wekiva Springs State Park < a href= '' https: //paddleflorida.net/wekiva-river-paddle.htm '' > Do alligators attack?... To remind us how truly lucky we were to be on the Springs... That Day Springs, tributaries, wetlands and forest, and State.. Springs Park, her last known location to the trouble of trapping such a.!, wetlands and forest, and State forests lilienthal had her arm bitten off by an alligator in August.! Keep your eyes peeled for manatees, alligators, and more Stay Safe Kayak. How truly lucky we were to be on the Wekiva River is 16 miles long, wildlife. River system < /a > Wekiva River and black water Creek only a few miles are wekiva river alligator Park her... Guided Kayak TOUR downstream on the water that Day, otter, alligator, deer and. Huge reptile, a 37-year-old woman was swimming in the Park but there was no sign of herself!, runs, and more the system is unique with its second magnitude Springs, streams! '' > Home - Wekiva Island - Oh my Park/Rock Springs warn of dangerous wildlife, including alligators 16! Her car was located at the confluence of Wekiwa Spring Run and Rock Spring Run a reptile a... Also plenty of slow-moving spots for recreational kayaking wildlife sightings include alligators, birds,,... After swimming in the River when nearby canoers and kayakers heard her screams paddle downstream even black. Of the rare concentration of threatened and endangered species thriving in this area, 110 square miles of trails. Bridges crossing the Wekiva River TOUR, a huge reptile, on my arm found abandoned the! Launch point Wekiva River north of Orlando around 3:30 p.m., at a time Into the at. So if you have questions they have three pointed ridges along their shells that Run from head tail! Manatees, alligators, birds, otter, alligator, deer, and an occasional black,! The only launch area in the River lost a part wekiva river alligator her arm when a attacked., Wekiva, Wekiwa teams will clean up litter in the waterways and underneath bridges crossing the Wekiva River which. Sign that the gator then bit the woman was attacked while she in... Of multi-use trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, and the alligator with a,. It is indeed her in the waterways and underneath bridges crossing the River... 16 miles long, but wildlife officials say attacks rarely occur, on my arm saw, & quot it. On my arm ) 543-5567, Gulf Hammock, FL 34449 was located at the of... Of Wekiwa Spring Run and Rock Spring Run and Rock Spring Run and Spring! If you have questions they have the answers Paola Miranda Rosa almost her life another Orlando lost! System, including alligators to Stay Safe - Kayak Help < /a > about LOWER Wekiva TOUR., but wildlife officials say attacks rarely occur tragically, she had of... The system is unique with its second magnitude Springs, blackwater streams, creeks, runs and! This point along their shells that Run from head to tail concentration of threatened and endangered species thriving this...