by Palm City, FL – In a terrifying encounter this summer, a Florida optometrist named Amber Perren was mauled by an 8-foot alligator while boating on the St. Lucie River. The vicious attack left her with a shattered forearm and a mangled hand, but thanks to the quick and brave actions of her husband, Kelby Perren, she survived the harrowing ordeal.
The horrifying incident unfolded on July 23 when Amber stepped into the water to wet her hair, only to be suddenly grabbed by the massive gator. In a desperate and courageous struggle, her husband dove in to save her, pulling her arm against the powerful reptile in a dramatic tug of war until she finally broke free.
The Terrifying Attack and Heroic Rescue
Amber recalled the terrifying moment vividly: “I saw the gator’s head, eye to eye.” Despite the fear, she fought back by punching the gator’s head and trying to swim away. Hearing her screams, Kelby immediately jumped in to help, engaging in a fierce battle with the alligator who had clamped onto Amber’s right arm.
Kelby described the size of the beast: its head alone measured about 2 feet long, with its entire body stretching roughly 8 feet. He explained:
“I pulled her back, the gator pulled back, and I pulled her again, and she came loose.”
After the struggle, Kelby managed to get Amber to their boat and then to a nearby dock where first responders quickly treated her wounds before she was airlifted to a trauma center in Fort Pierce.
Severe Injuries and Ongoing Recovery
The attack resulted in significant trauma. Amber’s forearm bones were broken, and the radial artery was severed, leaving her hand barely hanging on. She reflected on the life-changing moment:
“The gator got my arm. It broke both bones in my forearm and severed the radial artery. My hand was just hanging. I keep saying he’s my hero, and he saved me.”
Since the attack, Amber has undergone five surgeries, including several skin grafts, and battles conditions like compartment syndrome caused by increased pressure in her arm. Though she retains some movement in her fingers, her hand remains largely numb, and she may require additional surgeries in the future.
Despite the physical challenges, Amber continues to push forward with rehabilitation through occupational therapy and is adapting to running her new eye clinic using her left hand.
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Resilience and Future Outlook
Amber’s harrowing encounter has not deterred her spirit. She expressed determination to continue enjoying life and the outdoors, albeit with caution:
“If this showed us anything, it showed us how quickly your life can change in a matter of seconds. So you should go have fun.”
In a unique twist, Amber now plans to mount the skull of the very alligator that attacked her in her medical office as a reminder of her survival and resilience.
Key Facts About the Attack
- Date of incident: July 23, 2025
- Location: St. Lucie River, Palm City, Florida
- Victim: Amber Perren, 27-year-old optometrist
- Attacker: 8-foot long alligator
- Injuries: Broken forearm bones and severed radial artery, multiple surgeries needed
- Rescue: Husband’s heroic intervention during tug of war with gator
- Recovery: Ongoing occupational therapy and potential future surgeries
For more detailed coverage on this story, visit the original report.
What do you think about this incredible story of courage and survival? Have you ever encountered wildlife unexpectedly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
