A 77-year-old Florida man, Art Auwaerter, saved his dog, Rodger, from an alligator attack by jumping on the alligator’s back and pulling it off his pet. The incident occurred during gator mating season as confrontations between humans and alligators have made headlines. Despite sustaining injuries, both Auwaerter and Rodger survived the encounter. Auwaerter detailed how he had to act quickly to save his beloved dog before turning his attention to his own safety as the alligator attacked him. His background as a competitive Olympic weightlifter allowed him to have the strength to confront the alligator and protect his dog.
Living on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River with his wife and dog, Auwaerter described how Rodger, a 100-pound Italian mastiff, enjoys swimming in the river. However, the peaceful routine was interrupted one day when Rodger was attacked by an alligator while swimming in the river. Auwaerter’s quick instincts and physical strength enabled him to save his dog from the jaws of the predator. Both Auwaerter and Rodger suffered injuries in the attack but managed to escape to safety. The incidents underscore the potential dangers of living in close proximity to alligators in Florida.
Following the attack, both Auwaerter and Rodger received medical attention for their injuries. Auwaerter, who sustained a gash in his leg, was taken to the emergency room for treatment and ended up with visible scars from the encounter. The alligator responsible for the attack had to be euthanized due to the threat it posed to humans. Alligators are prevalent in Florida, and encounters with humans are not uncommon, especially during the warmer months when their activity levels increase. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides resources for reporting nuisance alligators and dealing with potential threats.
Auwaerter credits his background in weightlifting for giving him the strength and confidence to confront the alligator and protect his dog during the attack. He continues to train and compete in weightlifting competitions, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on his life. Despite the traumatic experience, Auwaerter remains determined to pursue his passion for weightlifting and plans to participate in upcoming competitions. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of potential dangers when living in areas populated by wildlife such as alligators.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission closely monitors alligator populations in the state and has measures in place to address encounters between alligators and humans. The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program works to remove alligators that are considered a threat to people, pets, or property. Residents are encouraged to report any encounters with aggressive alligators to the FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline for assistance. As temperatures rise during the spring and summer, alligators become more active, increasing the likelihood of encounters with humans.
Despite the harrowing experience, Auwaerter remains grateful that he and his dog were able to survive the alligator attack. The incident has highlighted the resilience and strength needed to confront unexpected dangers and protect loved ones. Auwaerter’s quick actions and physical abilities were crucial in ensuring the safety of his pet dog. As gator mating season continues, residents in Florida are reminded to remain vigilant and take precautions when living in areas known for alligator activity. Additionally, the incident serves as a testament to the bond between humans and their pets, showcasing the lengths people are willing to go to protect their animal companions.
