The retiree heroically slit the jaw of a young alligator to save the life of his puppy in Estero, Florida.
Richard Wilbanks, 74, was walking Gunner, a young Cavalier King Charles, around the pond near his retirement home when the reptile suddenly grabbed the puppy.
“He came out of the water like a missile.
I never thought an alligator could be so fast, ”Gunner's master told CNN.
Cigar in his mouth, Richard did not hesitate a single second to dive into the water to grab the alligator and open its mouth to free Gunner.
Despite a small stomach injury, he is doing very well. As for its owner, he said his hands had been "chewed" by the reptile.