4 alligators removed from Florida lake near senior community after Gloria Serge, 85, was mauled to death
ST LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Spanish Lakes Fairways senior community, which witnessed the gruesome death of Gloria Serge, 85, who was attacked by an alligator, is now looking forward to some respite as the four alligators have been removed from the gated Florida lakes. Henry, the 10-ft-long killer beast, had been immediately captured and euthanized by the authorities while the other three have been removed.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission facilitated the removal of the alligators as an octogenarian died after a brutal attack from one of the alligators while trying to rescue her pup Trooper from Henry who was attacked first. Serge of Fort Pierce was reportedly having a “senior moment” while walking her dog when she was pounced upon by the gator.
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Why were the alligators removed?
The website of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says, “Alligators have inhabited Florida's marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries, and are found in all 67 counties. In recent years, Florida has experienced tremendous human population growth. Many residents seek waterfront homes, and increasingly participate in water-related activities. This can result in more frequent alligator-human interactions, and a greater potential for conflict.”
American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), commonly known as simply ‘gators’ are found in abundance in the lakes and marshes of Florida. While usually the gators and humans coexist peacefully, such incidents are not uncommon. Jay Mandelker, the president of Spanish Lakes Fairways HOA, said, “If you're walking by a lake, a pond, anywhere in Florida, understand, this is Florida, there could be alligators, so do not walk against the edges of any pond or lake, stay a safe distance away,” reports TCPalm.
However, the Spanish Lakes Fairways, which is mainly a retirement community, have senior citizens in abundance. They are just more susceptible to the attacks of the gators. Thus, in order to maintain a sense of security among the residents, the FWC took the decision of removing the four alligators from the interconnected lakes. A resident of the community, Judy Murray, told TMZ that the authorities were in her backyard who informed her they were removing them. She, however, is unclear about where the remaining three gators were taken.
What happened at the retirement facility?
On Monday, February 20, a terrifying incident took place where Gloria Serge, 85, while walking her dog Trooper on the banks of a small lake in the area of ‘Picante Circle and Aguila Avenue’ was killed by a predatory reptile. The alligator at first attacked the dog, Trooper, and while trying to save him, Serge met with an unfortunate end. The dog survived the attack and went back to live with Serge’s family.
After the concerned witnesses dialed 911, authorities reacted immediately and the gator was euthanized. Robert Lilly, a person involved in the process said, "It was definitely a fight. [We] snagged him on the bottom. He never surfaced. He stayed down the whole time. We were able to get a second hook in him and a hard line in him so we could get him up."
FWC stated on their website, "To report nuisance alligators call: 866-FWC-Gator (866-392-4286)."