‘I Jumped on its Back’: Florida Woman Recalls How She Saved her Dog from Alligator

What started as a routine stroll turned into a life-or-death moment for Tampa resident Kim Spencer and her nine-year-old rescue dog, Kona. While walking near a lake, Spencer spotted an alligator in the water about ten feet from shore. In a flash, the gator lunged out and clamped its powerful jaws around Kona, dragging her toward the water.

Jumping Into Action

Without hesitation, Spencer leapt onto the alligator’s back. Despite the danger, she fought desperately to free Kona from its grip. “Her whole front end was in the gator’s mouth, including her right arm,” Spencer recalled. “I jumped on its back and started prying its jaws open.” Her brave efforts paid off — she managed to free Kona and escape the scene.

Injuries and Recovery

Kona suffered deep wounds but is expected to make a full recovery. Spencer also needed stitches for cuts she sustained during the struggle but says she would do it all over again. “I couldn’t live with myself if I let her be taken,” she said. For Spencer, Kona is more than just a pet — she’s family.

Wildlife Officials Respond

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission later confirmed the alligator was approximately six feet long. A professional trapper was sent to remove the animal from the area. While such encounters are rare, Florida wildlife officials continue to remind the public of the risks associated with walking pets near bodies of water, especially during warmer months when gator activity increases. This intense encounter serves as a powerful reminder of both the dangers that can lurk in Florida’s natural surroundings and the fierce bond between people and their pets.