6-Year-Old Survives Alligator Attack [Video]


A 6-year-old boy survived an alligator attack in South Florida. Joey Welch is fortunate to have escaped the deadly creature with only minor injuries.

Joey and his father were preparing for a canoeing trip at the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach, Florida when the boy wandered too close to the water. Before he realized what was happening, the alligator came onto the shore and bit down on the Joey’s arm.

As reported by WHAS11 News, Joey tried pulling his arm away from the alligator as he screamed for help. Joey’s father, Joseph Walsh, and another unidentified man rushed to assist the little boy.

Neither man wanted to harm the boy further by pulling him away, so they physically attacked the alligator. The unidentified man repeatedly kicked the eight-foot alligator while Joey’s father punched it in the head.

As reported by the Huffington Post, the alligator finally let go of Joey’s arm. He was taken to a local hospital and was treated for minor injuries. The 6-year-old survived the alligator attack in good health, and will always have a good story to tell.

Quick thinking by Joey’s father likely saved the child’s life. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, experts from the University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center recommend hitting an alligator in case of attack.

Wildlife ecology and conservation professor Frank Mazzotti points out that alligators prefer a meal that is not interested in fighting back. He suggests that, if attacked, the victim should fight back, particularly aiming for the alligator’s eyes. He points out that, typically, an alligator will open its jaws to readjust after the initial bite. This provides a victim with the perfect opportunity to escape.

Experts further suggest that an attack can be avoided by staying out of waters populated by alligators. Special caution should be taken during mating season as alligators are likely to be more aggressive at that time. The weather is another factor determining alligator activity as they are more active after recent rain.

If an alligator is spotted, Mazzoti suggests running away fast, in a straight line. He points out that running in a zigzag line can slow a person down, and every second counts.

Thankfully, 6-year-old Joey survived the alligator attack as his father and a Good Samaritan handled the situation calm and effectively. Their smart thinking, under incredible pressure, likely saved the child’s life.

The alligator was captured and euthanized by wildlife officials.

[Image via Pixabay]

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