Grandpa Wrestles Gator To Save Pet Dog

A Florida grandpa leaped into a pond and wrestled a 7-foot gator to save his dog, The Daily Mail reported.

Grandpa Wrestles Gator To Save Pet Dog

According to the report, when 66-year-old Lake County resident Steve Gustafson saw his pet being dragged into the water by the hungry reptile at his garden, he did not think twice to jump on the 130-pound gator's back and wrestled with it until it released his dog named Bounce, a West Highland Terrier.

"I didn't have a choice," Gustafson told The Daily Mail. "If I hesitated I would have lost my best friend."

Gustafson and his dog were both dragged by the alligator underwater but the fit grandpa was able to stabilize himself and overtook the reptile. Eventually, they were able to get away and the gator was trapped and killed two days later.

Gustafson, who sustained minor wounds from the battle, said he has bought the dead reptile and he plans to get the carcass processed and put it on display to remind him of his close call.

Photo courtesy of The Daily Mail, Steve Gustafson