POINCIANA, FL – A recent alligator encounter on the Tiger Creek Canal in Polk County has left the local community on edge. Earlier this month, two kayakers experienced a terrifying brush with nature when an alligator attacked them, leaving one with injuries severe enough to require hospitalization.
The incident occurred in the marshy waters south of Poinciana, where the canal serves as a natural corridor between Tiger Lake and Lake Kissimmee. This area is well-known among locals for its dense alligator population, a fact that was dramatically underscored when the reptile bit down on Christine Salvador’s elbow, a visitor from Texas. Salvador was promptly airlifted to the hospital, where she received treatment for her wounds.
David Morse, the other kayaker involved, hails from the Florida Panhandle. He managed to escape unharmed, thanks to his life vest, which bore the brunt of the alligator’s vicious bite. The incident has sparked conversations about the safety of recreational activities in such predator-rich environments.
Local airboat captain, Justin Kelly, who regularly traverses these waterways, provided insight into the canal’s ecosystem. “It’s teeming with wildlife,” he shared, noting the presence of deer, hogs, and water moccasins, in addition to the numerous alligators. Kelly emphasized the risks of kayaking in the canal, warning that the low profile of kayaks puts paddlers at eye level with these formidable reptiles.
The canal has long been a haven for alligators, partly because gator hunting is restricted in the area. This lack of hunting pressure allows the alligator population to thrive, with some of the largest specimens taking refuge in these waters. The abundance of discarded fish parts from local fishermen only adds to the area’s allure for these opportunistic predators.
Despite the risks, the Tiger Creek Canal remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. However, Kelly advises extreme caution. “These lakes are shallow and can become treacherous quickly,” he warned, underscoring the potential dangers that await those who venture too close to the water’s edge.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed the details of the attack and continues to monitor the situation, urging visitors to exercise vigilance and respect for the natural inhabitants of these wetlands.