Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, is home to the largest reptile in North America: the alligator. Females can grow up to about 9 feet long, and males can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh nearly 1,000 pounds.
Imagine a 60-pound dog going up against one of those. You probably wouldn’t expect it to end well for the dog. However, a 10-month-old black Lab dog named River defied all that, surviving a horrifying attack.
Quick attack and reaction
In July 2021, River entered Atchafalaya River, where a large crocodile suddenly attacked her. Luckily for River, her dad is a member of the Coast Guard. He bravely jumped into the water to save her.
Although extremely risky, This quick intervention probably made a big difference for River. Honestly, I’m happy to say that there’s no footage of the incident, but rest assured, it was truly horrifying for both the dog and its dad.
Medical intervention saves a seriously injured river
After the attack, River bled profusely, so her father rushed her to Morgan City Veterinary Hospital. The man punctured an artery in her leg. One The bite of the American alligator is very strong, measuring about 2.125 lbs. per square inch (psi) of force.
A wound like this could have killed River. Fortunately, the vets were able to stop the bleeding and place a drain during emergency surgery. Thanks to this urgent medical attention, River and the father who saved her were reunited not long after.
Be wary of predators in your area
This story serves as an important reminder that we can never control the local wildlife no matter how much land we build. Pet parents live in areas with native carnivores such as carnivores, mountain lionsor coyotes must always be aware of their surroundings.
You should also have a good knowledge of what predators live nearby. Even if you don’t normally see them on a walk, they may migrate to your neighborhood in search of food.
Jumping into the water to save River was a brave act for her father, but it was also very dangerous. Many of us, who have never been in this situation, may think to ourselves We will do the same. However, fighting a large animal to save your dog carries the risk of serious injury.
Some animals can be scared with noise generators, repellents and special sprays; even throwing stones and sticks. You can also help keep wildlife away from your property by securing all of your trash cans.
Try dressing your dog in a thick predator vest to reduce the chance of injury if you live in a particularly high-risk area.
River and her father are both Good luck surviving!
H/T: KATC News
Featured pictures: @ mcvethosp / Facebook
