Florida (WDNews) – A 15-year-old girl is recovering after surviving a terrifying alligator attack while wading in a creek just northeast of Destin.
Summer Hinote was in Pond Creek on June 22 when a roughly 10-foot alligator lunged, biting her leg and dragging her underwater. The teen fought back, punching the alligator in the head until it released her. A nearby friend helped pull her to safety.
Despite deep lacerations to her leg, Summer was able to keep the limb. Her mother rushed her to first responders for emergency care. Officials say the alligator has not been located.
The attack occurred about 20 to 25 miles northeast of Destin, a 30 to 40 minute drive from the popular beach town. The family is now warning others to be cautious in and around Pond Creek and similar freshwater areas.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the area for the aggressive gator.
