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FLORIDA (ANN): An elderly man used his bare hands to open the jaws of an alligator that suddenly grabbed onto his cub in Florida, USA.
Richard Wilbanks and his 3-month-old pup, Gunner, were walking near their backyard pond in late October when the reptile attacked. After clinging to the dog, the alligator quickly dragged him underwater, according to Fort Myers News-Press on Nov. 21.
Wilbanks then jumped into the pond and forced the crocodile’s mouth open as the Gunner screamed. Once the crocodile loosened its bite, Gunner quickly made his way to dry land.
“[The alligator] It came off like a missile, ”Wilbanks told CBS affiliate WINK.
The heroic act was recorded on camera that was installed by the Florida Wildlife Federation and the fSTOP Foundation as part of a campaign to encourage the public to thrive on wild animals. The Florida Wildlife Federation later posted the video of the rescue on its Facebook page.
Although Gunner sustained a small puncture wound and Wilbanks’ hands were “just chewed up,” he said they are fine now.
While Gunner is now “a little hesitant” to get close to the water, Wilbanks regards the incident as a learning experience. He also promises to keep Gunner always tied up and out of the water from now on.
“I would like to emphasize that people who have pets make sure they keep them away from the water’s edge,” Wilbanks told the outlet.
Meanwhile, Florida Wildlife Federation regional policy director Meredith Budd hopes her project will help residents realize they live in a “shared landscape.”
“We not only want to tolerate wildlife, but we want to thrive with wildlife in a shared landscape,” he said in the report.
Wilbanks’ wife, Louise, echoed their sentiments, adding that the campaign gives them a “new appreciation” for wildlife.
“We need to be aware that they are wild animals. They are not here for our benefit, ”Louise said. “We are very lucky to share this space with them.” – Philippine Daily Inquirer / Asia News Network
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