A Florida optometrist, Amber Perren, is lucky to be alive and regaining the strength and use of her right arm after an alligator clamped onto her arm while her husband valiantly fought the reptile away and saved the life of his wife.
In Marion County, Amber, 27, had been on a boat ride with her husband, Kelby and their dog, Poncho earlier this summer along the St. Lucie River when Amber stepped into the shallow water to wet her hair. Suddenly, she was grabbed by an eight-foot gator.
It had been on July 23, when Amber was being pulled beneath the water by the reptile while trying everything, including punching the gator on its head, to release her. When her husband heard the commotion, he ran into the water, but as he pulled his wife up from under the water, the gator still had hold of her arm. Kelby and the gator had a tough battle, but it finally released her arm.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office:
The 27 year old female victim and her boyfriend took their boat out to the South Fork River near SW Linden Street.
While in waist deep water with their dog, an alligator bit the hand and wrist of the female and momentarily pulled her under. The gator released the female victim, at which point the boyfriend drove her to the boat ramp at Charlie Leighton Park.
The female victim was flown to Lawnwood as a precaution. Her boyfriend and dog were not injured.
FWC has responded and are awaiting their trapper to locate the alligator.
The couple ran back to the boat and headed for a nearby dock where first responders treated her injuries and then airlifted her to Fort Pierce trauma center. The gator broke both bones in her forearm and severed an artery.
Perren, who lives in Palm City, has undergone several surgeries and could face additional operations. She has been working with therapists and is able to wiggle her fingers. She is currently working on using her left arm for her optometrist practice.
A study done earlier this years by the University of Florida, states alligator attacks are relatively rare. Over the last 75 years, 30 attacks have been fatal. Experts say “risky human behavior” is what has led to most attacks.
Most bites occurred when people were swimming or wading in areas where alligators are known to live. Scientists also agree that alligators are not looking to attack, but splashing and swimming in these areas attract them and their natural instincts plug in.
Humans need to respect their space and fallow the basic rules:
Don’t feed alligators
Follow directions on signs
Swim during daylight
Watch children and pets.
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