Alligator Drags Woman Into Lagoon, Gets Hit With Shovel Before Releasing Grip

An alligator attacked a woman in Hilton Head, South Carolina, but a neighbor saved her by hitting the 8-foot animal with a shovel until she was released.

The woman was walking her dog on Thursday morning, local authorities reported, when an alligator dragged the woman into a lagoon. A neighbor witnessed the attack and called her husband, who hit the alligator with a shovel until the woman’s leg was freed. Both neighbors entered the lagoon to help the victim, Hilton Head Island officials said in a press release.

Officers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ordered the alligator to be euthanized, according to the press release. They plan to investigate if the animal had been properly fed.

The victim was transported to a local hospital. The extent of her leg injuries is still unknown, according to Fitsnews.

“We are very grateful for the quick thinking and brave neighbors who fought off the alligator and held onto the victim who was being pulled into the water by the alligator,” officials said, according to Fitsnews.

“This is an unfortunate incident. We advise residents to be aware of their surroundings, especially if they are taking walks with small pets near lagoons that are habitats for alligators,” said Joheida Fister, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Deputy Chief.

Hilton Head Island officials did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for additional comment.