Cops wrestle alligator on doorstep – how one can battle one should you face identical drawback

A police officer went above and beyond the call of duty as he used his bare hands to wrangle an alligator found trespassing on a family’s front porch.

A video was posted on Facebook by the Fulshear Police Department in Texas, capturing the events from a body camera’s view as Lt. Bill Henry arrived at a house in Fulshear. Henry arrived with a catch pole, but when he saw the gator was small, he decided to use his hands instead.

As he led the stray reptile off the property, the scaly offender thrashed about, all while looking eager to sink its teeth into the officer. Captioning the video, the police department said: “We have a message for Lieutenant Bill Henry after watching his body cam video: ‘You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy’.”

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Alligators are a protected species in Texas, where it’s illegal to attempt to relocate the reptiles without official assistance.

Viewers were impressed by the officer’s wrangling skills, with comments ranging from giving Henry a raise to buying him lunch.

One wrote: “He deserves a RAISE !! My officers would of asked for backup. Another said: “There are easier ways to give blood LT!” A third added: “I would be impressed if it wasn’t a required skill to join the FPD!

While a fourth recommended: “We need to pass a citywide resolution that states if an officer wrangles a gator off your property, the city pays for them to eat dinner at Anthonie’s…small gesture of appreciation for risking a limb! Someone at least bake Bill some cookies!”

While we appreciate it’s not a regular occurrence the Daily Star has consulted artificial intelligence to find out the best way to survive a crocodile/alligator attack, especially when faced up against a much larger opponent.

In water

Fight back

If attacked in the water, fight back! Aim for the eyes, the most vulnerable spot. Jab or poke with anything you can grab.

Target the weak points

If grabbed, try to hit the beast in the head or around the nostrils.

The palatal valve

As a last resort, try to reach the palatal valve, a fleshy area at the back of the throat. Pressing on it can force the animal to release you.

Don’t fight the ‘death roll’

If it performs a “death roll,” conserve energy and roll with it. Don’t fight against the motion.

On land

Stay calm

If you see one on land, don’t panic. Back away slowly and try not to make sudden movements.

Run in a straight line

Contrary to popular belief, zig-zagging won’t help you outrun a crocodile/alligator on land. They’re faster in short bursts but tire quickly. Run in a straight line away from the water.

Additional tips

Be Prepared

If you’re in crocodile country, consider carrying a loud noisemaker or a sturdy stick for defence.

Help others

If you see someone being attacked, yell for help and try to distract the it from a safe distance.

Remember, the most important thing is to stay calm and act decisively.

Avoidance

The software added that the best way to survive an attack is to avoid one altogether.

Stay alert

In their terrain, be aware of your surroundings, especially near water. Look for signs like basking crocodiles or ripples in the water.

Maintain distance

Don’t approach crocodiles, and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge.

Swim in groups

If you’re adamant that you have to take a dip in croc infested waters, stick with your buddies, as the creatures are less likely to attack a group than a lone target.

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