What You Need to Know
• Triathlon coach Jonathan Bruney was attacked by an alligator while swimming in the Savannah River.
• Bruney punched the alligator and pressed its eye to escape, allowing all athletes to swim to safety.
• The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources confirmed the incident and advised caution around wildlife.
Triathlon coach Jonathan Bruney, while leading a training swim on Sunday in the Savannah River near Aiken County, South Carolina, was attacked by an alligator. As he swam, Bruney felt a strong impact on his right side, initially thinking he had hit a log. Upon realizing it was an alligator, he punched it twice and pressed his thumb into its eye, prompting the animal to release him. Following the incident, Bruney and the other athletes managed to swim to safety, with one athlete using a swim buoy to help stop Bruney’s bleeding. He received stitches at a hospital and was discharged shortly after.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the potential dangers of swimming in areas inhabited by alligators, particularly in regions like South Carolina where such wildlife is common. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources encourages public awareness and caution around alligators, emphasizing the importance of not feeding wildlife and remaining alert. Historically, alligator attacks are rare, but they can occur when humans enter their territory, especially in natural bodies of water. Understanding these risks is crucial for both recreational swimmers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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