Suzan Marciano, 74, didn’t have time to think when he saw a king alligator approaching his Golden Retriever mix. They’ve walked that Florida park hundreds of times with no problems, but today is different. When the crocodile pounced on the dog named Nalu, Marciano jumped forward to push crocodile distal canine 11 years old.
It was the ultimate act of love and bravery, and Nalu is still alive and well because of it. Marciano and Nalu are still recovering physically and emotionally, but both are happy to have survived the horrific situation together.
No time to think
Marciano and her two dogs have been walking at Burt Aaronson County Southern Regional Park in Boca Raton for about eight years. However, she insists she has never seen any animals underwater before, not even fish.
That day, Nalu broke her leash, and she wandered near the shore. Suddenly, Marciano noticed an unmistakable shape in the water that was an alligator. Within seconds, the dog turned around and gripped the dog firmly in its jaws. Marciano did the only thing she could think of.
“I just lifted my hand and stepped into the water and got under the crocodile’s head. When I pulled out, he grabbed my hand, the alligator grabbed my arm, I just kept pulling and he let go,” said Marciano.
At first, Marciano was so shocked that he didn’t know what to do next. She and Nalu are safe from the crocodile, so she wants to go home and relax. However, her friend insisted that she go to the hospital immediately.
Crocodile attacks when rising
Marciano had to have six stitches on his arm after being bitten by an alligator. Nalu had puncture wounds in her abdomen and thighs, so she had to undergo two hours of surgery. It was a difficult, traumatic experience, but now they are both recovering in the comfort of their homes. Despite everything, Marciano doesn’t regret his decision crocodile mallet.
“If I didn’t do what I did, I would lose her and that would be even more horrible for me,” Marciano said.
However, Marciano says that she and Nalu won’t stop going to their favorite park. Instead, they will be a little more careful from now on. Marciano will make sure that Nalu never comes near the water again. When the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service inspected the lake, they did not find any alligators.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, alligator attacks have increased since 2018. Most likely due to population growth and development in Florida. Even though gator crashes are more common, there’s still only a 3.1 million chance of it happening. So, to be on the safe side, stay away from Florida lakes and ponds when walking your dog.
H/T: local10.com
Featured pictures: screenshot, local10.com
