Juliana Ossa’s Brave Escape from a 9-Foot Alligator in 2017

In 2017, a 10-year-old girl named Juliana Ossa from Florida faced a terrifying moment that could have ended very differently. While swimming in a lake, she found herself in the jaws of a 9-foot alligator. But Juliana didn’t panic. Using a clever technique she learned at Gatorland, she stuck two fingers up the alligator’s nose, forcing it to let go of her leg. This incredible story of courage and quick thinking is one you won’t forget. Let’s dive into the details of Juliana Ossa’s brave escape and how she turned a dangerous situation into a tale of survival.

A Sunny Day Turns Dangerous

It was a warm Saturday afternoon on May 6, 2017, at Moss Park in Orlando, Florida. Juliana, a lively third-grader standing just 4 feet 7 inches tall, was enjoying a day out with her family. Moss Park, located between two large lakes—Lake Hart and Lake Mary Jane—is a popular spot for swimming, picnics, and outdoor fun. The park had a designated swimming area with a lifeguard on duty and signs warning about wildlife, including alligators. Juliana was wading in shallow water, about 2 feet deep, sitting down and splashing around with about a dozen other people nearby.

Suddenly, she felt something grab her left leg. At first, she thought it might be a joke or a fish brushing against her. But when she looked down, she saw the jaws of an 8-foot-9-inch alligator clamped around her knee and calf. The alligator wasn’t letting go. Juliana later told NBC’s Today show that she thought the gator must have seen her as a “ginormous piece of chicken.” Fear rushed through her, but Juliana’s story was just beginning.

A Lesson from Gatorland Saves the Day

Juliana’s mind raced as the alligator held on tight. She tried hitting the gator on its forehead, hoping it would release her leg. But the blows didn’t work. The alligator’s grip was strong, and its claws were digging into the sandy lake bottom, keeping it steady. That’s when Juliana remembered something important—a lesson she had learned during a visit to Gatorland, a theme park and wildlife preserve in Orlando known as the “Alligator Capital of the World.”

Gatorland, founded in 1949, offers shows, petting zoos, and educational programs about alligators and other reptiles. During her visit, Juliana had watched alligator wranglers share tips on handling these powerful creatures. One trick stood out: alligators have sensitive noses, and blocking their nostrils can force them to open their mouths to breathe. Juliana decided to try it. With courage that was remarkable for a 10-year-old, she reached down and stuck two fingers up the alligator’s nostrils.

The Alligator Lets Go

The plan worked perfectly. Unable to breathe through its nose, the alligator had to open its mouth to get air. As soon as it did, Juliana’s leg slipped free. She later told Inside Edition, “The gator didn’t do anything because he was too busy biting my leg and too busy with his claws in the sand. He didn’t have any attack moves to take out my fingers.” Her quick thinking had paid off, but the danger wasn’t over yet. Juliana was screaming for help, and her leg was bleeding from the bite.

Bystanders reacted fast. A man named Emilio Aquino heard her cries and ran into the water. He told Fox 61, “I realized that she was screaming that she got bit by an alligator. A couple seconds later, I saw the alligator, so I ran towards the water.” Emilio and others pulled Juliana to shore, where lifeguards quickly bandaged her leg to stop the bleeding. Her step-uncle, Steven Rodriguez, carried her to a picnic table, noticing how much blood was coming from her wounds. Despite the pain, Juliana stayed calm, impressing everyone around her.

A Trip to the Hospital

Paramedics arrived and rushed Juliana to Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. Doctors found lacerations and puncture wounds on the front and back of her knee and lower thigh. The alligator’s teeth had left deep marks, and she needed more than 10 stitches to close the wounds. Her leg was bandaged from her ankle to her thigh, and photos showed blood seeping through in spots. But Juliana was lucky—her injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening. After treatment, she was released from the hospital and sent home to recover.

Kevin Brito, one of the paramedics who treated her, called Juliana “a tough little girl.” Her ability to stay composed during such a frightening ordeal amazed everyone, from the lifeguards to the medical team. Juliana’s bravery wasn’t just in fighting off the alligator—it was in how she handled the aftermath, too.

What Happened to the Alligator?

After the attack, park rangers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) took action. They closed the swimming area at Moss Park to keep others safe while they searched for the alligator. A trapper named George Walrath caught the 8-foot-9-inch gator, which was later euthanized. The FWC said this is standard practice when an alligator attacks a person, as it may pose a continued threat. The waterfront stayed closed for at least a week as officials reviewed safety measures and checked for other alligators in the area.

Moss Park is near two large lakes, and alligators are common in Florida’s waterways. With about 1.3 million alligators in the state, encounters can happen, especially during mating season in spring or during droughts when water levels drop. Still, attacks like the one on Juliana are rare. Since 1948, Florida has recorded only 24 fatal alligator attacks, according to the FWC.

Gatorland’s Response and Praise

When Gatorland heard about Juliana’s escape, they were thrilled and proud. Tim Williams, the dean of gator wrestling at Gatorland, told WESH, “She did exactly what anyone should do, and that’s fight. God bless her heart, we’re just so thankful.” He added that Juliana’s quick thinking likely prevented a much worse outcome. Gatorland sent their thoughts and prayers to Juliana and her family through a post on Twitter, writing, “We are happy to hear she is recovering and wish her a speedy recovery.”

The park also used the moment to share safety tips, reminding people to be cautious around water in Florida. Williams noted, “Alligators don’t read signs and understand buoys. Be vigilant and make sure it’s safe, and even with your best vigilance, it may not be enough.” Juliana’s story became a powerful example of how education and awareness can make a difference in a life-or-death situation.

Why Juliana’s Story Matters

Juliana Ossa’s escape from a 9-foot alligator is more than just a gripping tale—it’s a reminder of how knowledge and courage can change everything. At just 10 years old, Juliana showed incredible presence of mind. She didn’t let fear take over. Instead, she used what she had learned to outsmart a powerful animal. Her story also highlights the importance of places like Gatorland, where people can learn about wildlife and how to stay safe in areas where animals like alligators live.

For parents, Juliana’s experience is a lesson in teaching kids to stay calm and think clearly, even when things go wrong. For everyone else, it’s a wake-up call about respecting nature. Alligators may seem like distant threats, but in places like Florida, they’re part of the environment. Knowing what to do, like Juliana did, can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

How Alligators Work: A Quick Look

To understand why Juliana’s technique was so effective, it helps to know a bit about alligators. Alligators breathe through their nostrils, which sit high on their snouts so they can stay mostly submerged while still getting air. When Juliana blocked the gator’s nose, it couldn’t breathe without opening its mouth, which loosened its grip on her leg. Some experts, like Dr. Gregory M. Erickson from Florida State University, believe the alligator may not have had a solid hold to begin with, making it easier for Juliana to escape. But her actions—fighting back and staying calm—definitely helped.

Alligators are strong, with jaws that can deliver up to 3,000 pounds of bite force in larger ones. The one that attacked Juliana was big but not the largest out there. By comparison, lions have a bite force of about 1,000 pounds. Juliana’s decision to target the gator’s sensitive nose was a smart move, as alligators don’t like being irritated in that area. Other experts, like Jordan Munns, told Inside Edition that poking an alligator’s eyes or ears or making loud noises can also scare them off, since they’re used to prey that doesn’t fight back.

Life After the Attack

By Monday, May 8, 2017, Juliana was back home, her leg wrapped in bandages but her spirits high. She spoke to reporters from outlets like Inside Edition, NBC News, and the Orlando Sentinel, sharing her story with confidence. In one interview, she smiled and said, “I was scared at first, but I knew what to do.” Her family was grateful she was alive, knowing how dangerous alligators can be. They praised her bravery and were thankful for the lessons she learned at Gatorland.

Juliana’s recovery went well, and she was soon able to walk again. Her story spread far and wide, inspiring people across the country. On social media, posts celebrated her as a “badass” and a “legend,” with many amazed that a 10-year-old could take on a 9-foot alligator and win. Juliana’s quick thinking turned her into a local hero, and her tale is still shared today as an example of staying cool under pressure.

Staying Safe Around Alligators

Juliana’s story also reminds us to be careful in areas where alligators live. Florida is home to millions of these creatures, and while attacks are uncommon, they can happen. Here are some tips to stay safe, based on advice from experts and Gatorland:

• Avoid swimming at dusk or dawn: Alligators are more active during these times.
• Stay in designated areas: Stick to marked swimming spots and pay attention to warning signs.
• Don’t feed alligators: It makes them less afraid of humans and more likely to approach.
• Keep your distance: If you see an alligator, give it plenty of space and don’t try to touch it.
• Know what to do: If an alligator grabs you, fight back by targeting its eyes, ears, or nose, and make as much noise as possible.

These tips can help you enjoy Florida’s lakes and rivers safely, just like Juliana did before her unexpected encounter.

A Hero at Heart

Juliana Ossa’s brave escape from a 9-foot alligator in 2017 is a story of guts, smarts, and survival. At just 10 years old, she faced a creature much bigger and stronger than her and came out on top. By sticking two fingers up the alligator’s nose—a trick she learned at Gatorland—she freed herself and lived to tell the tale. Her story shows that even in the scariest moments, staying calm and using what you know can make all the difference.

At Phacts, we love sharing stories like Juliana’s that inspire and teach us something new. Whether it’s about bravery, nature, or the power of learning, we’re here to bring you the facts in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. Want to read more stories that spark curiosity? Head over to phactsblog.com and explore our collection of real-life adventures, science tidbits, and more. Got a story you think we should cover? Drop us a note—we’d love to hear from you. Keep chasing the truth with Phacts.