In Estero, Florida, a 74-year-old man chased an alligator underwater earlier this week to rescue his three-month-old puppy from the jaws of the disagreeable reptile.
Richard Wilbanks ran into the pond at his backyard and grabbed the alligator from underwater and brought it to the surface where he pried its jaws open to free his crying Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Gunner.
The two had just been walking by the pond when the four-foot alligator sprang onto the shore and grabbed the puppy in what seemed like a split second. Wilbanks stated his adrenaline kicked in, and he immediately ran into the water to save his puppy.
According to the USA Today, Gunner’s x-rays only showed some water in his lungs. The pup remained at the veterinarian’s office for a few days to make sure he was healthy. And now, not even a week later, Gunner is running around just as a puppy is expected to do and has a new leash to use when on his walks.
The entire scary encounter and ensuing struggle with the alligator was all caught on video because of the Florida Wildlife Federation and the fstop Foundation using cameras to track wildlife in the area; the purpose intended to help humans live with wildlife. Seventeen cameras scanned 15 properties in what has been called Sharing the Landscape. This happened to be the time an incident like this was recorded.
For sure there was a lesson to be learned – ask the Wilbanks – stay at least 10 feet away from the water and make sure your pet is leashed.
(Photo representation of Gunner and a King Charles Cavalier spaniel)
Read the original coverage here.
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