During a child’s birthday party at Scales and Tails, a reptile center in Utah, a female handler was attacked and pulled into a water tank by an alligator, FOX 10 reports.
According to the report, the handler was attempting to guide the large alligator back into a water tank after it made its way onto a platform.
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As children attending the party watched from behind a glass barrier, the alligator suddenly grabs the handler’s hand by its mouth and pulls her into the tank.
In a video captured by party guest Theresa Wiseman, the alligator can be seen thrashing and twisting its handler deeper into the water tank.
Two visitors jumped into the tank to help free the handler’s hand away from the alligator’s jaws.
The alligator eventually released the handler’s hand, and she jumped out of the water to safety, as well as the guest who came to her aid.
According to FOX 10, the handler was provided medical assistance by a guest who started first aid before emergency services arrived.
Scales and Tails owner Shane Richins told FOX 10 that the handler underwent surgery and is taking antibiotics.
Watch the video of the incident below: