alligator attack

Officials have warned residents in the area of the attack to be vigilant when walking near ponds or lagoons.

"We got a happy ending with this one, it is a good ending. They don't always happen that way," said lieutenant Rob Gerkin, of the FWC, after the man and dog survived the gator attack.

During the study period, there were 22 confirmed fatal attacks.

"It was so shocking that it came around behind us the way that it did," the child's grandfather Clifford Gregg told local media, describing the June 1 incident.

The man was reportedly attacked after approaching the side of a pond to scare away a bird.

Police are now trying to catch and remove the alligator.

Experts say running away, making a noise and fighting back is the best way to survive a gator encounter.

Shizuka Matsuki was out walking her two dogs when a 12-foot, 6-inch alligator attacked and killed her.

A witness said he heard someone yell "it bit me, it bit me."

The 2-year-old's body was recovered Wednesday afternoon.