Florida Man Saves Pup From Gator's 'Death Roll'

A Florida man made headlines on Friday for saving his chocolate lab from the jaws of an alligator, and authorities warn other residents to be careful of similar situations.

Mike McCoy and his 8-month-old puppy, Jake, took a daily walk on Tuesday near a pond behind Holiday, Florida’s Paul R. Smith Middle School, which quickly turned into a life-saving event.

An alligator appeared out of the water, grabbed Jake and started to drag him into the water, ABC Action News stated.

"He was in a death roll with that old gator," McCoy told the station.

Without any hesitation, McCoy jumped into the water to rescue his dog before it was too late.

“I previously read up on my environment and gators. I got around, thumbed him the eye, picked him out of the water so he couldn’t get anywhere until he let the dog go. And in the interim he decided, I don’t have him, I’ll bite you," said McCoy

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission explained that it's working with a local trapper to remove the seven to nine-foot gator out of the pond. It also warns that Florida residents take extra precautions near water during the warmer months.

Both McCoy and Jake made it out alive and only had to get a few stitches each.