"We stopped the car, and as I stepped out, I witnessed an alligator latching onto his leg," recounted Walter Rudder to a local news outlet, reflecting on the harrowing moment.
In a daring act of bravery, a Florida resident used his truck to rescue his neighbor from the clutches of an 11-foot alligator.
According to WBBH-TV, the incident unfolded on the evening of Friday, April 19, when Rick Fingeret was out walking his two dogs near a pond in Collier County.
Walter Rudder, Fingeret's neighbor, described the scene to the outlet, stating, "We pulled over when we noticed a man lying on the ground, frantically waving his arm. Upon closer inspection, I saw the alligator had him by the leg."
WLBT reported that Fingeret pleaded with Rudder to run over the alligator, hoping it would release its grip on his leg. After the courageous intervention, the alligator retreated into the water, and Fingeret was promptly rushed to the hospital, where he is currently recuperating.
Reflecting on the incident, Fingeret expressed gratitude, acknowledging he's unsure of the outcome had his neighbor not intervened.
Taking note of the event, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an advisory via Instagram, urging residents to observe local wildlife from a safe distance.
"Resist the temptation to challenge wildlife to a sprint. Be it an alligator, wild hog, or even an intimidating squirrel, remember: they've been honing their skills for this moment. You haven't," cautioned the organization.
The FWC emphasized the importance of respecting animals' boundaries, highlighting that their reactions indicate when humans are too close for comfort.
Elaborating on alligators, the FWC's website explains their opportunistic feeding habits, noting their diverse diet which includes insects, amphibians, fish, snakes, turtles, mammals, and birds.