If you live in an area known for crocodiles, you have to be careful around water. However, it’s easy to forget about the risk until it happens to you. Unfortunately, Bruce Savage and his dog Hannah had to learn the hard way.
The pond near their Pleasant Mountain, South Carolina home has signs warning about snakes and rat bites. But usually, wild animals are preoccupied with their own business. So Savage never expected a nightmare to happen the moment he turned his back on Hannah.
Alligator Attack
Savage and Hannah enjoy a peaceful walk one morning until Hannah disappears. Savage says he looks down and all he can see is her retractable leash lead into the water. An alligator grabbed her from behind and pulled her inside.
“Literally, my entire system stopped working,” says Savage. “My ears are off. I heard nothing, except that I was shouting my dog’s name. I was in the wrong place, at the wrong time.”
Without thinking twice, Savage rushed towards the gator and pulled Hannah out of its mouth. Then he ran away with his beloved dog. He didn’t dare look back even for a second.
The crocodile bit off Hannah’s tail, and she suffered several other injuries to her back. Savage didn’t have any injuries from the gator, but his leg was cut by gravel as he struggled with the creature for his dog.
Hannah survived!
Hannah is safe and healthy despite everything, but Savage thinks she will always be too scared to walk near the water. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that people in the area stay at least 10 feet away from wetlands.
“I don’t think it’s smart to walk along it, and I don’t think Hanna will ever get close to the water again,” Savage said. “You have to have a healthy respect for wildlife. Some species of wildlife are more dangerous than others.”
Savage called animal control to notify them of the incident, but so far, the alligator has not been identified. The DNR states that there has been an increase in alligator attacks in South Carolina in recent years. So it’s better to be more cautious with the water source.
Of course, Savage isn’t the dog’s only parent fight a crocodile and win. Gators can be terrifying creatures, but losing a furry friend is even scarier. Thanks to Savage, Hannah is still alive and well.
