Fisherman, 71, is dragged into the water and killed by a 12-foot alligator while standing on a Florida shore

The presence of other alligators in the water slowed rescuers attempting to reach Steve Hamilton, of Winter Garden. His body was not recovered until 7pm, a full two hours after the attack. Hamilton had been fishing at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, whose ponds drain into Lake Apopka — a site so associated with the reptiles that one of its crossings is named Gator Bridge.

Trappers caught and killed the 11-foot, 8-inch alligator at the scene.

Hamilton is Florida's second alligator death this year, after Brittany Clark, 31, in June.

Police Capt. Michael Mason warned: 'It looks like it's docile... but it can be dangerous.'