POND CREEK, FL – A serene day at Pond Creek turned into a harrowing encounter for 15-year-old Summer Highot. On June 22, what was meant to be a leisurely stroll downstream with friends quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation.
Summer and her friends had ventured about a mile downstream when the unexpected happened. As she decided to head back, something latched onto her leg. “I felt it grab me and instinctively started punching,” she recounted, realizing she was in the jaws of an alligator.
The alligator dragged her underwater, shaking her violently. With sheer determination, Summer managed to break free, and her friends pulled her to safety. Overwhelmed by the ordeal, she lay on the ground, praying for her life and the safety of her leg.
Amidst the chaos, her friend reassured her that she was going to be okay, but the threat wasn’t over. The alligator was still in pursuit, forcing her friend to lift both Summer and another friend to higher ground, out of the predator’s reach.
One of Summer’s friends managed to find cell service and called for help. Her mother, upon receiving the distressing news, rushed to the scene, dialing 911 on the way. First responders were quick to arrive, assessing the situation and the size of the alligator, which they estimated to be at least 10 feet long.
Despite rumors suggesting they provoked the creature, Summer insists they did nothing to incite the attack. “We weren’t provoking it,” she stated, emphasizing her respect for nature and the inherent dangers wildlife can pose.
Now, marked with scars, Summer reflects on the terrifying encounter and offers advice to others who might face similar dangers: “Pray and fight. That’s all you can do.”
This frightening experience serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife, even in familiar surroundings.