The Hidden Dangers of Outdoor Adventures in Florida

During a single week this month, two people were killed by wildlife in Florida. The first was Robert Markel, who was killed by a black bear in Collier County. The second was Cynthia Diekema, who was killed while canoeing on Lake Kissimmee, south of Orlando. These two tragedies prompt important questions about the dangers of wildlife encounters in Florida. In this article, we examine whether such incidents are increasing and explore ways to reduce the risks.

Fatal Attacks During May 2025

According to press reports, Robert Markel of Jerome, Collier County, died on May 5. His cause of death is suspected to be mauling by a black bear. Earlier that day, Markel’s daughter witnessed a bear kill their dog, and there were signs that a bear had entered the house. Later that day, a dead bear was removed from the woods by wildlife officials.

On May 6, an alligator attacked and killed a female canoeist near the mouth of Tiger Creek into Lake Kissimmee, south of Orlando. She was sitting in the bow of a 14-foot canoe in about 2.5 feet of water. A large alligator tipped the canoe over and bit 61-year-old Cynthia Diekema, causing fatal injuries.

Are Wildlife Encounters in Florida on the Rise?

Florida is home to over 700 terrestrial animals, at least 200 freshwater fish, over 1,000 marine fish, and many more marine vertebrates, terrestrial insects, and other invertebrates. Today, it is also inhabited by over 23 million people, having experienced steady population growth, including a 14.6 percent increase in the 2010s.

It is also a top destination for travelers from all over the world and hosted 142.9 million visitors in 2024. Given these figures and the increase in popularity of outdoor hobbies such as hiking and kayaking, it is inevitable that humans and wild animals are going to encounter each other more often. Let’s explore some of the most potentially dangerous animal encounters in Florida and examine whether they are becoming more frequent.

Alligator Attacks

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a native Florida species, where there are an estimated 1.25 million. Data on alligator bites on people in Florida has been recorded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) since 1948. The highest year on record for attacks was 2023, with 23 recorded. There was also one fatality that year, the previous being in 2017.

Researchers have concluded that the number of human alligator conflicts has been increasing since the 1970s as the native alligator population has recovered. Also, more residents are seeking waterfront homes and increasingly participating in water-related activities. More attacks occur in warmer weather when feeding rates are higher. Male adult humans are most often attacked. Most bites are interpreted as attempts to feed, but some are thought to be defensive.

Public education on how to stay safe around alligators is key. The advice from FWC is “Remember, never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets on a leash and away from the water.”

Black Bear Attacks

Black bears (Ursus americanus) are another native species making a comeback. Having declined to just 18 percent of their historic range in the 1970s, they have now reoccupied 49 percent of it. Over the same period of time, there have been just 42 incidents where wild black bears have made physical contact with people. Of these, only three resulted in injuries that required medical attention.

Bears spend most of their time looking for food and are attracted by the pet food, garbage, and barbecue grills found around human properties. They soon learn that where there are people, there is also a plentiful supply of food. However, as they spend more time around humans, they become habituated and lose their fear of people, making attacks more likely. Relocation does not work, as they soon return, so some of these bears are humanely killed.

The best way to prevent attacks is to eliminate food sources. This can be done by using bear-resistant containers for garbage. You can also scare them away from your yard (providing they have a clear escape route) with an air horn or by banging pots. It is important to note that having a dog with you can increase the likelihood of a bear attack, as bears may perceive dogs as a threat.

Florida Panther Attacks

There are estimated to be between 100 and 150 panthers (Puma concolor couguar) living in Florida today, and they are an endangered species. It is not uncommon to encounter them in Florida’s orange groves, but there has never been a verified attack on a human. However, attacks have occurred in other states. The advice is to never make a panther feel trapped. If you encounter one, back up and let it run away. Make yourself look large and very human by opening your arms, throwing stones, and making a yelling noise.

Other Wildlife That Could Attack You in Florida

There are around 2,000 crocodiles in Florida, and attacks are rare, but they can happen. The first ever recorded attack occurred in 2014 when two swimmers were bitten by an American crocodile in a Florida canal. Florida is home to the so-called shark bite capital of the world: New Smyrna Beach. New Smyrna Beach. Florida has the most unprovoked shark bites in the U.S., with 14 recorded in 2024. Other animals that can cause you harm in Florida are jellyfish, Portuguese man o’ war, snakes, spiders, fire ants, and mosquitoes.