The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirmed to Fox News Digital that a Louisiana man rescued his young son from an alligator last weekend.
The boy was swimming in shallow waters of Bayou St. John in New Orleans when he was bitten on the leg by a six-foot alligator.
“I truly believe that the father would have dragged his son underwater and drowned him to death,” New Orleans Fire Department Capt. Stephen Schmidt told Nola.com. “The father jumped on the alligator and literally punched him, but the alligator let go of his son.”
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement officers responded to the scene but were unable to find the alligator until nuisance alligator hunters arrived. Authorities are working to locate and remove the animal.
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An alligator spotted in New Orleans in 2024. (Chris Greisen/Getty Images)
While the boy was swimming, others spotted the crocodile and tried to warn him, but the boy thought they were joking, the station reported.
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Residents say crocodiles are a common sight in the area. (Chris Greisen/Getty Images)
The boy suffered cuts and puncture wounds but is expected to make a full recovery, according to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Resident Casey Caldwell told WWL-TV that alligator sightings are common in the area.
“If you stand still, we’ll definitely find you,” Caldwell told the station. “Please don’t let your children or dogs swim in this bayou.”
The New Orleans skyline is seen with Bayou St. John in the foreground. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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WWL reported that an alligator was spotted Wednesday in the same area where the boy was attacked, though it’s unclear if it was the same animal or a different one.
