Terrifying moment fisherman runs for safety after alligator lunges at him
This is the terrifying moment a f isherman was charged at by an angry alligator - forcing him to run for safety.
The man, who has not been named, was fishing along the edge of a pond in Lowcountry, South Carolina, US, on Tuesday when the alligator began swimming towards his rod.
In the video, the fisherman is seen collecting his pole before gradually retreating from the pond.
However, it was too late as the reptile climbed out of the water and suddenly lunged at him.
He was casually fishing when the alligator moved towards his rod (Micah Kimberlin/WJCL News)Fortunately, the man was able to reach a safe distance away from the predator as the alligator stopped charging at him after a few seconds.
Alligator spotted with jaws taped shut and struggling before being rescued
According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, alligators are able to run at speeds of 7.5-9.5mph for short distances.
He starts to move as the reptile moves closer (Micah Kimberlin/WJCL News)The predators are normally found in Texas to North Carolina - with the reptile's population in South Carolina said to be around 100,000, according to the state's Department of National Resources.
After the terrifying encounter, the alligator quickly returned to the pond.
Department officials said feeding the alligators can lead to the animals losing their natural fear of humans.
The alligator charges out of the water (Micah Kimberlin/WJCL News)It said: "In many cases, fed alligators will begin to approach at the sight of people and may become aggressive in seeking a handout.”
It remains unclear if the alligator had been fed on Tuesday, which is also illegal in the state.
The alligator attack comes just weeks after a huge predator was spotted swimming in the sea off Dauphin Island - a holiday destination in Alabama, US.
A shocked beachgoer named Matt was stunned to see the enormous reptile casually swimming in the sea.
He posted the video online, writing: "Tell me where you can go to the beach and the f***Ing zoo at the same time”.
The video and images were viewed over 75,000 times'.
Woman, 85, dragged to death by 11ft alligator as she walked her dog near pond
Matt added: “The things you never think you’ll see. First time seeing a gator on Dauphin Island.
The fisherman ran for his safety (Micah Kimberlin/WJCL News)“It was just a very beautiful day and my girlfriend and I were just spending some time on the beach when someone mentioned it.
“So, we walked down to get a better look and snap some pictures. It’s not every day something like that happens.
“We see them in Dog River and the Bird sanctuary, but almost never in the Gulf like that.”
He added: “I knew if I didn’t get pictures no one would ever believe it.”
One local resident commented: “He’s body surfing", with another added" “I will freak out if I see this. New fear of the beach unlocked.”
Nicholas said: “They go there in search of sea turtle eggs.”
Brad remarked: “That’s cool. Crazy, but cool! It’s been too long since I’ve been to the Island.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
