Florida woman left bloodied and bruised after being bitten by ALLIGATOR while trying to protect her dog on New Year's Eve: 'I'm glad he didn't close his mouth'
- Gwen Cash of Pembroke Pines fought an alligator outside her home on New Year's Eve
- The reptile chased Cash's dog Maximus before she stepped in to help
- She was left with deep scratches on her arm, but was glad it wasn't worse
<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
A Florida woman was left bloodied and bruised after fighting an alligator to protect her dog on New Year's Eve.
The reptile was launched at Gwen Cash's Rottweiler, Maximus, moments after the couple stepped outside their home near Holly Lake in Pembroke Pines.
Cash said:He kind of turned around like he was going for my dog's throat and I tried to put my arm around my dog's chest and that's how I got scratched'.
“I'm glad he didn't shut his mouth,” she added.
Cash was left with bruises and deep scratches on her arm, but was grateful she was able to get her dog back into the house safely.
Gwen Cash of Pembroke Pines fought off an alligator while trying to protect her dog Maximus from an attack
Cash and Maximus had only been outside for five minutes before she spotted the alligator near their house
The Florida resident was scared of what was happening, but was glad the alligator didn't close its mouth. She now works with a trapper to move it
Cash has lived in Pembroke Pines all her life because she enjoys the area's nature. WSVN reported.
Florida is home to more than a million alligators, and Holly Lake is known as one of the bodies of water in the state where the reptiles live.
Cash had never minded this before, but now worries about how comfortable the alligator felt with her.
“The fact that he's not scared worries me,” she said. “If it wasn't my dog, someone's little kid could be playing….”
Cash is now working with a trapper to move the alligator to prevent anyone else from getting hurt or worse.
The Pembroke Pines nextdoor page posted advice this week on how residents can stay safe.
Cash wrapped her arm around her dog's chest and the alligator left deep scratches and bruises
Florida is home to more than a million alligators and Pembroke Pines is a busy neighborhood right on Holly Lake
Cash is now concerned because the alligator that approached her dog was not afraid. Fortunately, Maximus was able to enter the house safely
Tips include never feeding alligators, keeping pets away from potential alligator habitats, and being careful around fresh or brackish water, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
“Let's stay informed and respectful of our local wildlife to ensure safety for everyone in our community!” the message stated.