Alligator rams kayak, knocks dog in water

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CASSELBERRY, Fla., May 9 (UPI) -- A Florida man out kayaking on a lake said an alligator rammed his boat and hit him in the arm, sending his girlfriend's dog plunging into the water.

Thomas Swiader said he and the Yorkie, Buffy, were on Triplet Lake in Casselberry with a line in the water last Wednesday when the alligator rammed the boat, "whacked" him in the arm and sent the small dog splashing into the lake, WFTV, Orlando, Fla., reported Wednesday.

"I looked over and she was swimming in the water, so just immediately I grabbed the leash, pulled her back to me and threw her in the kayak and at that time she was pretty frightened," Swiader said.

Swaider said the dog was not injured.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the alligator may have been aggressive because it is mating season.