TAMPA, FL — A recent incident in Tampa highlights the potential dangers of Florida’s wildlife, as a local dog owner found herself in a life-or-death struggle to save her pet from a 6-foot alligator.

The Incident

On Tuesday evening, Kim Spencer took her 9-year-old rescue dog, Kona, for what was expected to be a peaceful walk by a lake. However, the outing quickly turned perilous when Spencer noticed a commotion in the water.

“I didn’t see anything at all at the time. Then, all of a sudden, I heard something,” Spencer recounted. “Suddenly, I saw the eyes. I saw it turning itself around, so I started pulling her right away, ‘Kona, let’s go,’ but she’s a really strong dog.”

Before she could react fully, an alligator lunged from the lake, capturing Kona in its jaws.

Heroic Actions

Spencer, unfazed by the immediate danger, sprang into action. “I guess that where I stopped thinking, and I just dove on it, jumped on it, straddled it, as ladylike as that is,” she explained. “For real, for real, and was trying to pry its jaws open.”

In a daring move, she managed to pry open the alligator’s jaws and successfully freed Kona. “Its back was to me, so it made me just jump on and, I guess, ’cause the girls at work are asking me, like, ‘Which hand was which jaw?’ I’m like, ‘I don’t know,’” she remarked, reflecting on the chaotic moments of the rescue.

Aftermath and Reflections

Both Spencer and Kona emerged from the incident needing stitches but are now recuperating—both emotionally and physically. The experience has left Spencer feeling particularly grateful.

“We just got lucky because it ran. Just as quickly as it ran after us, it went right back in the water, and I got up, and we were out of there,” she stated, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters.

Sharing her story serves as a cautionary note: “It could easily happen, and you might not be that lucky to be able to get your child or your pet,” Spencer remarked. “Many people say they’re more afraid of us than we are of them. Clearly not the case.”

Seasonal Awareness

This incident comes at a time when alligators in Florida are more frequently visible, as their courtship season begins in April. Spencer’s encounter serves as a reminder for pet owners to remain vigilant, particularly in regions where such wildlife is prevalent.