Florida man fights off 8-foot long alligator, saves dog

In a bid to save his dog, a man claimed to have fought off an alligator who was viciously attacking his dog in Florida USA. 

A 75-year-old Palm Harbor man said he fought off an alligator after it came out of a pond behind his home and grabbed his daughter's golden retriever, named Osi, on July 9. 

Buddy Ackerman said the 8-foot long alligator appeared from a retention pond near his Palm Harbor condominium earlier this week and grabbed the dog while they were out for an early morning walk. He said Osi was in the middle of doing his business when the predator caught him off guard. 

After his encounter with the reptile, Buddy Ackerman called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline for assistance.

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Recounting his experience he said it was around 5:30 a.m in the morning when he, along with his four-legged made their way towards a pond. Soon, he heard a whimpering sound that caught his attention. After a moment's delay, he realized that his dog was making the sound as an alligator had latched onto him. 

Buddy Ackerman said he kicked the alligator in the snout twice and Osi got loose. After struggling for a while, the alligator finally left the dog. However, none of the animals were injured in this incident.

Later, the Florida wildlife officials came to the scene of the incident and trapped the alligator. The Ackermans say Osi was later taken to read the signs, warning of alligators in the water to make sure he understands them. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warm residents to be cautious with their pets. Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators.

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