TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A Tampa woman came face to face with the crocodile and jumped onto her back to save the life of her beloved dog.
Luckily, it was a horrifying moment that took place in seconds when she and her dog survived the attack.
Kona, 9, is a rescuer and her owner, Kimberly Spencer, rescued her on Tuesday.
“All of a sudden I heard something, I looked over, I looked like an eye in the water, and saw it bend immediately. It had come to us.
Spencer was off for a walk with his dog when his eyes appeared in the water. In a few seconds, Gator had Kona in his chin.
“Since her right arm was in her mouth, I think it quickly turned around, like the whole front part of her, including under her arm.
Spencer says she never thought of it again when she jumped in and pulled Kona out of the Gator’s grip.
Gator Guides’ crocodile guide Phil Walters said it was a brave move, but it’s a dangerous move.
“It could be successful, but some people were killed by doing it, especially using very large crocodiles. They’re not lonely. Be careful of their surroundings. Don’t walk your dog or pet near the water,” Walters said.
Kona survived with a deep bite, and Spencer became stitches, but she said it was worth it.
“I’ll try again. If I let her take her away, I won’t be able to live with myself,” Spencer said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Board said the gator was about six feet long and the crocodile trapper was able to remove the gator from the area.
Kona is expected to recover completely.
