Overview

• Owner Danie Wright says a gator lunged from a moss-covered backyard creek last week and grabbed 4-month-old Dax by the collar.
• Wright punched the alligator in the eye until it released the puppy, suffering bite injuries to her arm while Dax was unharmed.
• FWC officers and licensed trappers captured and removed the approximately 5-foot alligator from the property.
• Wright urged pet owners to stay alert near waterways and advised leaving phones behind to avoid distractions on walks.
• FWC notes unprovoked attacks on people average about eight per year in Florida, with pets targeted more often, and it continues safety outreach including GatorWise.