After losing his arm to an alligator earlier this week, 18-year-old Kasey Edwards warded off the beast by gouging out its eye, according to an Orlando Local 6 report. Edwards was swimming with friends in a canal near Lake Okeechobee in Florida—one of largest freshwater lakes in the United States.
"[The alligator] took my left arm off about four inches above the elbow … It was a pretty humbling experience," said Edwards in the news report.
"He dragged me under the water five times … Finally, [the arm] ripped off and I wasn't aware at the time." In the midst of the fight, Edwards got a good look at the alligator and was able to gouge out its eye with his bare hand—which effectively thwarted the beast.
The alligator was later killed by authorities and Edwards' arm was found inside its stomach, the Palm Beach Post reported. However, the arm was too damaged to reattach.
Alligators are common in many parts of Florida and don't usually attack when they see people because they have a natural fear of humans, according to EcoFlorida Magazine.
The magazine admits, "Alligators do occasionally attack people."
There have been 16 reported fatal alligator attacks on people in Florida since the 1950s, and 15 to 20 non-fatal alligator attacks occur in Florida each year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Most attacks on people occur when they are in the water.
For Florida residents, EcoFlorida Magazine recommends keeping a good distance from any alligators; never throwing things at or harassing alligators; never feeding alligators because it can cause them to lose their fear of people; keeping arms, legs, hands and feet inside the boat; and being aware of the possible presence of alligators when swimming.
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