FL Man Shoots Gator Attacking Dog In Backyard: Reports

ORLANDO, FL — A Florida man took matters into his own hands recently when an 8-foot-long alligator attacked his dog at their Deltona home, according to multiple reports.

The man, who asked Fox 35 Orlando not to be identified, shot the gator in the head four times after it attacked his chocolate Labrador retriever, Winston, in their Deltona backyard, he told the television station.

The man told Fox 35 he let Winston outside, and when he noticed the dog sniffing around, he went out to check on him. That's when the gator attacked, he told the station.

"I don't even think there was a thought," the homeowner told WSVN. "I think it was — my heart just dropped, and I was like, 'Okay, I have to go do something.' So, I mean, you just spring into action and do what you have to do to save your dog. Twenty seconds later, probably would've had a dead dog."

According to Fox 35, the reptile latched onto the side of Winston's head. Luckily, Winston only suffered a puncture wound on his ear.

The man told WSVN he will think twice before allowing his dog to go outside alone.

"I'm not necessarily nervous, just kind of more on edge and more aware of the surroundings and double-checking every time before I let the dog out by himself," he said.

As more Floridians flock to waterfront homes, alligator-human interactions have increased in recent years, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

While injuries caused by alligators are rare, concerned Floridians should call FWC's toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286. Officials will dispatch a trapper to resolve the situation.