Investigators are putting out a warning after a deadly gator attack in Venice.
A German shepherd had to be euthanized and another one is still missing.
Shamrock Park in Venice is a very scenic getaway located literally right next to a neighborhood. People say there’s lots of wildlife to be found there, but no one could’ve imagined a terrible incident like this.
Authorities say on Friday evening, Alan Knapp and Susan Kosterman were walking their two German shepherds, 6-year-old Rio and 5-year-old Lucy.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says the dogs were off-leash and running through a creek when they ran out of view of the couple.
According to an incident report, “[Knapp] heard one loud yelp from one of the dogs, and then he heard splashing and saw Rio take off into the water. [Knapp] then heard more yelps and saw Rio come out of the water bleeding heavily from his neck and head area.”
The couple desperately searched for Lucy but she never came out of the water. They then rushed Rio to an emergency vet clinic where he unfortunately had to be euthanized because of the severity of his injuries.
The report said “both upper and lower jaws were crushed and Rio had large puncture wounds that were all consistent with an alligator attack.”
8 On Your Side contacted Kosterman but she was too distraught to go on camera.
“Very sad, very sad,” said park visitor Beverly Hamilton.
Hamilton often visits this park. She’s surprised the dogs were off-leash. There are signs to remind visitors of the leash law.
“Unless you’re at a dog park, then that is the city rules,” said Hamilton.
But she feels the public can learn from this terrible tragedy.
“This just reminds us of how observant we need to be with our surroundings, all the time, anytime, because we’re surrounded by water. As we know, rule of thumb, if there’s water, there’s potential for a gator so we need to be observant at all times,” explained Hamilton.
FWC is still investigating. They’re looking for the gator and for the missing dog. They do stress that you should keep your distance from alligators and you should keep your pets away from the water.
FWC places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. People with concerns about an alligator should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). When someone concerned about an alligator calls the Nuisance Alligator Hotline, we will dispatch one of our contracted nuisance alligator trappers to resolve the situation.
FWC also works to keep Floridians and visitors informed about living with alligators. By taking simple precautionary measures when in or near the water, people can reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators. Never feed an alligator and keep your distance if you see one. Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. And keep pets away from the water. For more information, click here.