11-Foot Gator Attacks Man; Neighbor Runs Over It With Car: Reports

COLLIER COUNTY, FL — A Collier County man was recently attacked by an 11-foot alligator while walking his two dogs, and his neighbor reportedly came to his rescue.

The alligator had the man by the leg near Quarry Drive, dragging him to a nearby pond, when a neighbor ran over the alligator with his car Friday, WINK reported.

Once the alligator released his grip, the man was able to poke the reptile's nose and eyes while fighting against the attack, NBC 2 reported.

WINK reported the alligator eventually retreated into the pond, and the man was taken to a hospital.

Alligators live in all of the state's 67 counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Florida's rise in inhabited waterfront homes and water-related activities increases the chance of human-alligator interactions, the commission said.

Residents should keep their distance and not feed alligators, the commission said. Pets should be on a leash and not near water.

Swimmers should solely swim in designated areas during daylight, the commission said.

Read more about the attack via NBC 2 and WINK.