Thanks to the quick thinking and heroic acts of a Louisana man, a 5-year-boy was saved from a potential alligator attack.
Daniel Duplantier said he was watching some alligators frolic in a canal in Westwego when he heard a cry for help.
Duplantier didn’t hesitate or think about the risk he was putting himself in.
Instead, he charged forward toward the alligator-infested canal where a 5-year-old boy had fallen in near the pumping station.
Duplantier jumped into the water and was able to pull the boy to safety, saving him from alligator-infested waters.
After Duplantier’s selfless and brave rescue of the little boy, first responders were called to the scene to bring the boy to the other side of the canal where he was treated by EMS, according to The Sacramento Bee.
The Westwego Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 recounted the incident on their Facebook page,
“Today the Westwego Vol. Fire Department responded to a rescue at the Westwego Canal. A 5-year-old boy fell into a canal near the pumping station and was rescued from the water by Daniel Duplantier who was near the canal watching alligators when he heard the boy yelling for help.
Westwego Fire – Police & EMS helped to get the boy back across the canal to safety where he was treated by EMS.”
Many applauded Duplantier’s efforts in saving the boy.
“Please give him a plaque and possibly a reward. Even if he were at the right place at the right time, he acted as a hero. God Bless him and the 5-year-old,” wrote one commenter.
“Thank you, sir, for your heroism! Blessings to you all. You protected a family from a lifetime of grief,” said another.
Westwego Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 also had a seasonal warning for fellow residents.
“Spring is upon us and Summer is near, keep a close eye on children around waterways and swimming pools,” the post concluded.
While alligator bites are uncommon, the probability of being attacked by an alligator increases when you’re near one of their habitats.
According to Louisana Wildlife & Fisheries, Louisiana and Florida have the largest alligator populations in the U.S. They can be found in coastal marshes, ponds, lakes, canals, rivers, swamps, and bayous. There are more than 4.5 million acres of alligator habitat in Louisiana.
While alligator bites are uncommon, they are known to become extremely aggressive and territorial when provoked or during mating season.
“Alligators can be vicious fighters during mating season. They will eat almost anything, including each other; they bite and fight to eat, court, defend, or protect their territory.”
That’s why residents are often advised to take extra precautions from April to June.
Still, they typically avoid humans unless they are fed by them or disturbed by them.
Duplantier wasn’t going to wait and see if that little boy had disturbed any alligators, he jumped in to save them immediately.
That’s why he’s being hailed as a hero.
You can check out the Westwego Volunteer Fire Company No. 1’s original post below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: WDSU, Westwego Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, The Sacramento Bee
