On Monday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released the name of a woman who was attacked and killed by an alligator in St. Lucie County.
Gloria Serge, 85, was walking her puppy along the cistern behind her home in the Spanish Lakes Fairways neighborhood of 14313 Aguila Avenue, officials said.
That’s when the FWC said an alligator came out of the water and tried to grab their dog.
An accident report said Serge was knocked down and the alligator grabbed her foot and dragged her into the water. A woman called 911 and said she saw Serge in trouble and told her to try swimming to the dam.
Serge replied that she couldn’t escape because the crocodile was grabbing her. The woman was dragged into deeper water and died as a result of the attack. Her body was found.
Neighbors said Serge was a longtime resident of the neighborhood and described her as a very nice lady who walks her shih tzu every day.
The family of the victim, who lives out of state, traveled to St. Lucie County after the attack but declined to comment on the death of their loved one. The alligator was estimated to be 10 feet long and 600 to 700 pounds.
A contracted trouble crocodile scavenger captured and killed the alligator involved in the attack. Individuals with concerns about alligators should call the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator toll-free line at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Experts advise people never to feed crocodiles and to keep their distance if they see them. Swim only in designated swimming areas during the day. Also, keep pets on a leash and out of the water.
