SILVER SPRINGS, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating a viral social media video that appears to show a woman reaching from a kayak to pet an alligator at Silver Springs in Marion County.
The video, posted to TikTok before it was later deleted, has received more than 1 million views and prompted multiple complaints from members of the public, according to FWC.
In the video, a woman in a pink bikini can be seen extending her arm from a kayak and appearing to touch the back of an alligator while paddling through the spring. Another video posted to the same TikTok account, which received nearly 2 million views, shows an alligator swimming close to the kayak before making a sudden movement toward it.
News 6 provided FWC with a link to the video. In a statement, the agency confirmed it has opened an investigation.
“The FWC is aware of the video and is investigating. This is an active investigation, and there is no further information to provide.”
FWC also reminded the public that anyone who is not a licensed alligator trapper or hunter is prohibited from feeding, harassing or capturing alligators.
Wildlife officials warn that feeding or closely interacting with alligators can cause the animals to associate people with food, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters.
According to Silver Springs State Park, swimming is prohibited in the springs because of hazards in the water, including wildlife. Visitors are allowed to explore the area by boat, kayak and canoe.
News 6 reached out to the woman through her TikTok account seeking comment about the video but had not received a response as of Thursday.