Broward lake known for gators

State agency well aware of danger where woman died.

The Broward County lake where a 47-year-old woman was found dead after apparently being bitten by a 12-foot, 6-inch alligator had multiple reports of alligator activity, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Since 2005, the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Hotline received 11 calls about alligator activity in Silver Lake Rotary Nature Park and the surrounding area, FWC said.

Eight permits had been issued for alligator removal since 2005, but no alligators have been removed, FWC said.

“The transient nature and wariness of alligators can make their capture a challenge,” FWC spokesman Robert Klepper wrote in an email.

An alligator is considered a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet long and if someone believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property, according to the program’s website. If an alligator meets these qualifications, a permit will be issued for the animal’s removal.

The most recent permit for removal at Silver Lake was issued on March 26 after a complaint from a Davie Park Ranger, according to records.

On Friday, Shizuka Matsuki of Plantation was found dead in the lake after being reported missing. A witness saw her walking with two dogs, then later saw the dogs without Matsuki. One dog had a bleeding wound.

A necropsy of the gator suggested she was bitten, the FWC said. The FWC said in October 2017 that the chance of an unprovoked alligator incident in Florida is one in 3.2 million.

Since 2008, there have only been two fatalities from alligators reported across the state.

It’s gator mating season in Florida, making the animals more active and visible than usual.

Just a few hours before the search for the woman began, a Facebook user checked into the park’s page and warned of a 7-foot alligator in the lake.

“I know a lot of people walk their dogs and let them swim in the Silver Lakes Park ... so watch out for your lil babies swimming in there!!” said the user, who identified herself as Amy Behm.

State officials are continuing with an investigation of Matsuki’s death, the FWC said.