Body of missing Texas woman found in alligator's jaws, authorities say

The body of a missing Texas woman was found in the mouth of an alligator, authorities say.

The Houston Police Department said the remains of a woman, “believed to be in her 60s,” were found around 8:40 a.m. local time on Tuesday, May 28, “in the mouth of an alligator in Horsepen Bayou.” , according to a report. press release from municipal authorities.

Police located the remains “while searching the area” for a missing woman, they added.

According to the release, a police sergeant shot the alligator “to prevent it from causing further damage to the remains,” which were recovered by the department's dive team.

According to municipal authorities, an investigation into the woman's death and her identity is underway.

Those familiar with the area where the woman's remains were found said alligators lived in the area, ABC affiliate KTRK-TV reported.

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“I know which banks to stay away from and where they like to bask in the sun,” Angela Derous told the station. “This is the first time I've heard of this here. It's a little scary.

Alligators are typically found in swamps, rivers, bayous and marshes in the southern states, “including the eastern third of Texas,” according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. They typically breed and nest in Texas between March 1 and May 30.

Attacks involving alligators are rare in Texas. The animals tend to avoid contact with humans, but have been involved in “an increasing number of encounters” with humans as their population increases, TPW said.