Marion County. The victims in all three instances survived, though the latter two had to undergo amputations.

On Friday WGPD Capt. Michael Mason told reporters that Lake Apopka has  tons of alligators in it,  and experts have pointed to alligators huddling into cramped spaces and blending with the murkier waters as drought conditions brought by high temperatures and below-average rainfall deplete rivers, springs and swamps throughout Central Florida.

FWC advises people keep a safe distance from the animals when they're spotted and to keep pets leashed and away from the water's edge.

 Always be aware of your surroundings, always be safe,  Mason said Friday.  Local wildlife, respect it.