Tampa Woman Saves Dog from 6.5-Foot Alligator

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Tampa teacher Kimberly Spencer jumped on a 6-foot alligator and pried its jaws open to save her dog Kona during a routine walk near a neighborhood pond.

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I saw its eyes, and I saw it turn," Spencer recalled of the moment before the massive reptile lunged from the water and clamped down on her dog's head and upper body.

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Despite describing herself as 'not a nature girl,' Spencer's protective instincts kicked in: "I wasn't letting it take my baby, that's it.

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Both Spencer and Kona needed medical attention after the attack—the teacher suffered bites to both hands while her dog required stitches around the shoulder area.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the alligator measured 6 feet 6 inches long and sent a nuisance trapper to remove it from the Westwood Lakes neighborhood.

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Wildlife experts warn that spring brings alligator mating season when the reptiles become more active and potentially aggressive, especially toward pets that resemble their natural prey.

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Spencer now plans to walk only in gated areas and warns others: "They need to know to stay away. Don't go near them, don't feed them.

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The FWC urges anyone spotting concerning alligator behavior to keep a safe distance and call their Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.

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