A Florida man named Walter Rudder became an unlikely hero when he saved his neighbor, Rick Fingeret, from a harrowing alligator attack by using his vehicle to run over the reptile. Fingeret was out walking his two dogs when the 11-foot alligator lunged at him, sinking its teeth into his leg and dragging him towards a nearby pond. In a desperate attempt to save his life, Fingeret begged Rudder, who was driving by, to intervene.
Rudder, without hesitation, reversed his car and ran over the alligator, forcing it to release Fingeret. The alligator, stunned by the impact, retreated back into the pond. Fingeret, who had been hit on the head by the alligator, was rushed to a hospital where he is currently recovering. His two dogs, both Labrador retrievers, were unharmed during the attack.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captured the alligator and relocated it to another area. Fingeret’s heroic actions and Rudder’s quick thinking saved a life and prevented further tragedy. This incident highlights the importance of being aware of potential wildlife hazards when spending time outdoors in Florida.
