Florida man Richard Willbanks successfully wrestled his three-month-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Gunner, from the jaws of an alligator.
Wilbanks, 74, was chilling outside enjoying some fresh air when he heard Gunner crying. He found Gunner in his backyard pond in the jaws of an alligator.
Wilbanks, who is an avid hunter, said his instincts kicked in and he just sprung into action.
It was just a shock, it happened so fast. Instinct just took over and adrenaline kicked in and I just went right into the water after the gator and Gunner.
Wilbanks and Gunner escaped with minor cuts.
The most amazing thing to me is that Wilbanks was able to keep his cigar in his mouth through the whole ordeal.
The incident was caught on video because Wilbanks participates in a program where residents who live adjacent to wild habitats let the Florida Wildlife Federation and the fStop Foundation put cameras on their land to document animals.
Watch the video below:
Would you rescue your dog from the jaws of an alligator like Richard Wilbanks did?
Source: Today
