ESTERO, Fla – A man walking his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy along a waterway in Estero saved the dog’s life after it was grabbed by an alligator, according to a report from WINK News.
The encounter was caught on a wildlife camera from the Florida Wildlife Federation and the fSTOP Foundation. The cameras usually capture videos of deer or bobcats.
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Richard Wilbanks told WINK News that his instincts kicked in when his dog, Gunner, was grabbed.
🎥🐕 ***WARNING: DISTURBING***
— John-Carlos Estrada (@Mr_JCE) November 23, 2020
This SWFL man wrestles his puppy Gunner from jaws of alligator. "They're like children to us. So, there was no second thought whatsoever," said Richard Wilbanks https://t.co/rLKWXFFhW7
(🎥: Florida Wildlife Federation and fSTOP Foundation) pic.twitter.com/aiAjEfk8QD
“They’re like children to us, so there was no second thought whatsoever,” Wilbanks said.
Wilbanks said this was a learning experience, and he’ll keep Gunner on a leash. The dog is a little hesitant to go near the water now.
Wilbanks said his hands were cut prying the dog from the gator’s mouth.