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May 17, 2023 | 11:34pm
An alligator snatched a couple’s dog in a Florida park last week — but the man managed to free the pet after jumping on the reptile’s back.
The duo had taken the pooch for a walk Friday at Riverside Park in Oviedo, Florida, when a 12-foot alligator jumped out of the water and grabbed the dog in its mouth, according to city officials.
The man then jumped on the gator’s back and freed the dog.
“A boyfriend and girlfriend were walking their dog at Riverside Park in the back along the Little Econ River when an alligator came out and snatched it,” city communication manager Lisa McDonald told Fox News in an email.
“According to staff, (not witnessed), the boyfriend jumped on top of the alligator to rescue the dog. They were able to free the animal,” she said.
No 911 call was made at the time and park staff were not notified until the following day.
The dog is reportedly receiving treatment at a local animal hospital. It’s condition is unknown.
After learning about the incident, park staff contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who then trapped the gator later that day. The gator was euthanized, according to Fox 35 Orlando.
According to the FWC, the alligator was measured at 12-feet, six-inches long.
McDonald noted that there are several large alligators in the park.
“Dog owners are highly discouraged from walking their pets near any body of water due to the dense alligator population, especially during alligator mating season,” she continued.
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