A woman was mauled to death while protecting her dog from a giant alligator that lunged at the pooch.
85-year-old Gloria Serge was walking her dog at the Spanish Lakes Fairways community in Fort Pierce, Florida, when a 10-foot alligator began stalking her and her dog Trooper.
After swimming across the lake, the beast burst out of the water and attacked the dog and his owner. While bravely attempting to protect her companion, Gloria fell over only to be targeted by the alligator.
In the attack, the elderly woman suffered fatal injuries while her dog managed to escape the alligator’s jaws.
Following the brutal mauling at the lake in Spanish Lakes Fairways, the authorities caught the responsible alligator and euthanized the animal.
They also found the victim’s body and recovered it from the lake.
Recalling the attack was Gloria’s neighbor, Carole Thomas, who called 911 as she watched the tragedy unfold.
“It’s horrible for her family. It’s just horrible, horrible. And her friends, I spoke to a couple of her friends yesterday who are devastated,” Thomas said.
Speaking out after the attack was also Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission which reassured the people that alligator attacks are rare.
“Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida. The FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property,” the statement read.
“People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
“When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation.”
Our thoughts are with Gloria’s family and friends during this challenging time.
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