Officials recover body of woman attacked by alligator in Florida

Update 2 p.m. EDT June 9: Florida wildlife searchers have found the body of 47-year-old Shizuka Matsuki, the woman believed to have been killed during an alligator attack in South Florida.

Officials say they are conducting an investigation into Matsuki's death.

Update: 11:00 p.m. EDT June 8: Authorities identified the woman later Friday after finding the alligator responsible for the attack.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement that a necropsy on the reptile Friday produced evidence "that indicates the victim ... was bitten by the alligator."

The statement also said officials believe Shizuka Matsuki, 47, was killed and that investigators "will continue recovery efforts."

Davie Police Detective Viviana Gallinal said a witness told authorities Friday morning that he saw the woman walking two dogs and then noticed the dogs alone, barking near the water. One of the dogs had a fresh injury.

Gallinal said trappers had seen a 12-foot alligator and residents said they had also noticed a large gator in the area recently.

Update: 4:40 p.m. EDT June 8: An arm was found inside an alligator that was caught in a Davie lake, according to authorities.

The arm may be that of a missing woman who disappeared while walking her dogs at the Silver Lakes Rotary Nature Park

(Original story)

Police told WSVN that a dog on a leash was found at the scene, but the owner was not around.

The dog was given to animal control.

A trapper hired by the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation commission is on the scene, as well as Broward County Animal Care officers, WPLG reported.

The park is popular for people to walk, picnic or walk their pets. It is surrounded by homes, and neighbors said that they have seen kids swimming in the lakes there, WFOR reported.

Credit: Joe Raedle

Credit: Joe Raedle