Women barely escape alligator attack

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – A mother and daughter walking in the Bird Rookery Swamp Sunday afternoon say they barely escaped an alligator attack.

The women said they were walking along the trail, when out of nowhere, a large alligator lunged toward one of their dogs.

“This was an aggressive growl. Very angry, very angry,” said Kim Swartz.

Her daughter, Kolby Byington was right beside her. She says as soon as the gator spotted them, it started running after them.

“Probably scariest thing I’ve ever had happened to me. I’ve never had something chase me like that ever, especially an alligator,” said Byington.

The women took off running into the woods and said they have one thing to thank for saving their lives.

“There was a big tree lying across the path and we got past the tree and the tree impeded it from going any further,” Swartz explained.

Once the gator was trapped, the women called 911. Collier County deputies used a helicopter and ground crews to search for the ladies and guide them out of the area.

The women said they were thankful for the deputies quick response.