A viral video posted on TikTok showing a woman seemingly petting an alligator at a Florida spring has led to an investigation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
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The video, which was posted last week to the TikTok account of user @kileigh.rose, who identifies herself as Kileigh Rose Coleman of St. Pete, garnered more than 2.1 million views before it was taken down.
In the video, which was shared across multiple media platforms, a woman in a pink bikini is seen paddling in a clear kayak near Silver Springs State Park in Marion County with the caption, “My friend likes to pet alligators.”
The Sentinel reached out to the TikTok user for comment, but has not heard back.
The viral post came amid a series of alligator attacks in Florida, including a fatal one in Seminole County during which a 31-year-old Orlando woman swimming in the Little Big Econ State Forest had both her arms bitten off.
That same weekend, an 11-year-old boy visiting from Pennsylvania had his hand amputated after an alligator bite at a Marion County fishing camp. In mid-June, a 19-year-old snorkeler also was injured in Marion County on the Rainbow River by an alligator.
A second video on the user’s site, which has garnered nearly 20 million views, shows more interaction with an alligator near the front of a clear kayak floating calmly before suddenly thrashing away and prompting an expletive from the person in the kayak.
In a post about the videos on the Facebook group page “Alligators of Florida,” member Ilsa Tate explains what causes alligator attacks.
“Alligators, by nature, are shy and predictable. If they’re never handled or harassed by humans, they are likely to stay far away and mind their business. They don’t like to stray from their routine and known food sources. They are not curious, aggressive, or reactive without being provoked,” she wrote.
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She notes that the Silver River’s alligator population is one generally safe to paddle through.
“With that said, interactions like those seen in these videos can change that forever. ONE instance like this is all it takes to encourage an alligator to become defensive towards all humans,” she writes.
Kayaking is a popular option at the state park near Ocala, but swimming is not allowed.
“As of now, swimming is not permitted at Silver Springs. Boating, kayaking and canoeing are alternatives guests can enjoy in order to experience our beautiful waters first hand,” according to the park’s FAQ on its website.
The FWC on its “Living with alligators” page on its website warns against potentially dangerous interactions.
“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,” it reads.