A WOMAN was dragged into a lake, killed and eaten by an alligator as she walked her dogs.

Shizuka Matsuki, 47, was attacked by the giant reptile as she strolled around Silver Lakes Rotary Nature Park in Florida on Friday morning.

Witnesses found two pit bulls standing alone at the water's edge and alerted the authorities, fearing for the missing owner.

One of the pooches had a "fresh injury", sparking fears of a gator attack.

A massive manhunt was launched early yesterday morning.

Divers and trappers were sent into the lake after the beast was spotted at the popular beauty spot.

But cops confirmed the body parts had been found inside an alligator, and authorities have declared the woman dead.

A spokesman said: "After an initial necropsy, evidence was found that indicates that the victim of this incident was bitten by the alligator that was captured earlier today.

"The FWC believes that the victim is deceased and we will continue recovery efforts on the lake with local authorities."

The dogs are currently with Florida's Animal Care team.

Florida has averaged six unprovoked alligator bites per year over the last 10 years.

In 2016, two-year-old Lane Graves was snatched by one of the huge reptiles as he waded in the shallows at a Disney resort.

Disney World was forced to erect a fence around the lagoon were the tragic tot was snatched.