While walking her dog, a Florida woman was attacked by 8-foot alligator.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. –  After being attacked by an alligator, a Florida woman is healing from her injuries.

The 43-year-old lady was walking her dog near a pond in Pinellas County when she was bitten by the gator, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

When the roughly 8-foot gator lunged out of the water and attempted to attack the woman’s dog, she was walking near the water’s edge. The woman managed to save the reptile, but she stumbled and the creature grabbed her leg.

The woman was brought to the hospital with critical injuries to her right leg.

The breeding season for gators begins in May and lasts until July. Everyone should be cautious while strolling near water or when gators are most active.