Woman found dead after Florida alligator is spotted with a body in its mouth

CNN
By CNN September 24, 2023 09:15 (EAT)
Add as a Preferred Source on Google
Woman found dead after Florida alligator is spotted with a body in its mouth

An alligator suns itself along the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park, Florida April 22, 2015. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Florida authorities have identified the woman found dead after an alligator was seen with a body in its mouth.

Authorities responded to a call in Largo, in the Tampa Bay area, about a gator in the water about 1:50 p.m. on Friday.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday identified the victim as Sabrina Peckham, 41.

A witness, JaMarcus Bullard, told CNN affiliate Spectrum News 13 he earlier saw an alligator with a body its mouth.

“I could tell there was a body in his mouth, so I started recording,” Bullard said.

Officials humanely killed In the the 13-foot, 8.5-inch male, according to the sheriff’s office and Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Alligators have been spotted in the area before, but resident Jennifer Dean told Spectrum News 13 that she had never seen one this large.

“A lot of my neighbours were out here and they’re the ones that told me about the gator,” Dean said. “While we were standing here we heard a shot. I assume they killed the gator.”

Join the Discussion

Share your perspective with the Citizen Digital community.

Moderation applies

Sign In to Publish

No comments yet

This discussion is waiting for your voice. Be the first to share your thoughts!