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Woman injured in alligator attack

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The Associated Press

Published: September 26, 2009

CLEARWATER - Authorities say a Clearwater woman walking her dog by a lake was bitten by an 8-foot alligator but managed to escape.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that 48-year-old Diane Blackwood was just a few feet from the lake Monday afternoon when she noticed a swirl in the water. The alligator attacked, and her dog ran away.

Blackwood says the gator clamped down on her left calf and began pulling her toward the water. But she was able to jab the animal in the eye with her thumb, which gave her a chance to get away.

Blackwood was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was treated for the bite.

Trappers caught an alligator Tuesday and were able to match its bite to Blackwood's injury.

The alligator was killed, and its meat and hide will be sold.

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