ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released the name of the woman who was attacked and killed Monday by an alligator in St. Lucie County.
Officials said that Gloria Serge, 85, was walking her small dog along a retention pond behind her house in the Spanish Lakes Fairways community, located at 14313 Aguila Ave.
That's when FWC said an alligator came out of the water and attempted to grab her dog.
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An incident report said that Serge was knocked over, and the alligator pulled her into the water by her foot.
A woman called 911 and said she saw Serge was in trouble and told her to try and swim toward the embankment.
Serge responded that she couldn't get away because the alligator had ahold of her.
The woman was pulled into deeper water and died as a result of the attack. Her body was recovered.
Neighbors said Serge was a longtime resident of the community, describing her as a very nice woman who walked her Shih Tzu daily.
Family members of the victim, who live out of state, traveled to St. Lucie County after the attack but did not want to comment on their loved one's death.
The alligator was estimated to be 10 feet long and weighed 600 to 700 pounds.
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A contracted nuisance alligator trapper captured and killed the alligator involved in the attack.
Serge's dog, which was unhurt, is being cared for by a neighbor.
FWC said serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida.
People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
Experts advise that people never feed an alligator and keep their distance if they see one. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Also, keep pets on a leash and away from the water.