VIDEO: Zoo handler survives alligator attack

The Zoo handler survives an alligator attack as a brave visitor jumps into the tank to save her.

The attack unfolded at the Scales & Tails reptile centre in Utah on Saturday, August 14.

The handler was opening the enclosure to feed the alligator when the reptile clamped down on her arm and pulled her into the tank.

Thankfully, a male visitor, identified as Donnie Wiseman, jumped in quick to wrangle the animal and save the handler.

Watch the video below

WHAT IS ALLIGATOR

An alligator is a crocodilian in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae. The two extant species are the American alligator and the Chinese alligator. Additionally, several extinct species of alligators are known from fossil remains.

An average adult American alligator’s weight and length is 360 kg (790 lb) and 4 m (13 ft), but they sometimes grow to 4.4 m (14 ft) long and weigh over 450 kg (990 lb).[10] The largest ever recorded, found in Louisiana, measured 5.84 m (19.2 ft). The Chinese alligator is smaller, rarely exceeding 2.1 m (7 ft) in length. Additionally, it weighs considerably less, with males rarely over 45 kg (100 lb).

Adult alligators are black or dark olive-brown with white undersides, while juveniles have bright yellow or whitish stripes which sharply contrast against their dark hides, providing them additional camouflage amongst reeds and wetland grasses