A Florida man has been recorded dragging an alligator out of a pond and forcibly prising its jaws open in an effort to save his beloved pet dog.
The incredible moment was captured by nearby surveillance cameras and shows pet owner Richard Wilbanks go to extreme lengths to save his puppy, named Gunner.
The retiree told CNN news: "We were just out walking by the pond and it came out of the water like a missile.
"I never thought an alligator could be that fast. It was so quick."
You can see the terrifying moment unfold in the video below:The heart-stopping encounter in the Estero neighborhood was caught on camera thanks to a partnership between the Florida Wildlife Federation and the fSTOP Foundation.
Wilkins told CNN that after his "adrenaline kicked in" he "just automatically jumped into the water".
Once in the pond, Wilkins can be seen pulling the reptile out of the water and physically prising its jaws open with his bare hands.
He later told WINK News: "They're like children to us, so there was no second thought whatsoever."
"[Gunner] had one little puncture wound, and … my hands were just chewed up," Wilbanks added. "Fortunately, I was in a position that I was able to save Gunner’s life."
Mr Wilkins should consider himself lucky he didn't come up against this beast:Per WINK News, the Florida Wildlife Federation hopes that the video of Wilbanks’ encounters leads to a better relationship between people and the surrounding wildlife.
The Commission said in a statement:
"We encourage everyone to take precautionary measures, particularly those who live or recreate near the water. Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators."
Meredith Budd, regional policy director of the Florida Wildlife Federation, added: "We live on a shared landscape. We don’t just want to tolerate wildlife, but, rather, we want to thrive with wildlife on a shared landscape."
Meanwhile, Richard's wife, Louise, said: "It gives us a new appreciation. We do need to be aware they are wild animals. They’re not here for our benefit. We’re very lucky to share this space with them."
Despite the incident, Richard says he is fully aware that understands the pond is the alligator's home and that it was just doing what it needed to in order to survive - which is why he decided against calling the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to file a report.
In response to the footage, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have said in a statement:
"We encourage everyone to take precautionary measures, particularly those who live or recreate near the water. Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators.
"Do not allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. Keep pets on a short leash and away from the water."
Gunner is reportedly doing "fine" following the encounter.
