Florida Fisherman Fights Back From Alligator | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

Florida’s drought is sending alligators scrambling into neighborhoods—and one 71-year-old fisherman turned backyard showdown into a survival story. While reeling in a catch behind his Fort Myers home, he was suddenly dragged into the canal by a lurking gator. With no time to think, he jabbed its eyes with his thumb and then his fishing pole—just as experts advise. The gator released him, his dog helped him back to safety, and he’s now recovering in the hospital, where nurses praised his grit. The gator’s gone missing, but the angler’s already plotting his next trip—with a little more caution…