Officials Believe They've Removed Alligator That Killed Boy

Florida's conservation agency suspended trapping activities over a week after an alligator killed Lane Graves

Florida wildlife officials believe they've removed the alligator that dragged a 2-year-old Nebraska boy into the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a news release Wednesday that it has suspended alligator trapping activities in the area. The release says officials have based their conclusions on expert analyses and observations by staff with extensive experience in investigating fatal alligator bites. A total of six alligators were removed; no others were spotted in the search area since June 16.

Authorities have said an alligator pulled Lane Graves into the water June 14, despite the frantic efforts of his father to save him. Lane's body was recovered the next day. An autopsy showed the boy died from drowning and traumatic injuries.

The beach at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is across a lake from the Magic Kingdom.

The FWC news release said "trappers captured three alligators in the size range believed to fit the subject animal," and that two were captured close to where the incident occurred.

"While results of a bite analysis were inconclusive, subject matter experts were able to conclude that either of the two suspect alligators captured near the attack site were capable of inflicting the observed wounds," the news release said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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