14.06.2026 USA, MILWAUKEE: Omelette, an escaped rescue beagle initially reported killed by an alligator in Florida, has been found alive and well. The alligator victim was a different dog. The rescue group confirmed Omelette’s identity by microchip.
(Image: Alligator, Balaji Malliswamy)
Omelette will not return to his original adopter and is instead heading into foster care.
Omelette, the Ridglan Farms beagle, was not killed by an alligator after all. Keep reading, because it’s worth every syllable.
The backstory:
On Sunday, June 7, a Ridglan Farms rescue named Omelette, escaped from the backyard of his Florida adopter. An intensive search effort led to a tragic discovery of a dog’s corps on Wednesday. Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR) announced Omelette had been attacked and killed by an alligator.
A day later, that story has changed. BDRR said on Thursday that Omelette is alive! It turns out, the dog attacked by the alligator was not a Ridglan Farms rescue.
Omelette was found, alive and well, and BDRR said his identity has been confirmed by his embedded microchip. Officials said Omelette will not be returned to his adopter, according to Lauree Simmons at BDRR. She said he will be going into foster care.
Alligator attacks on dogs are relatively common in Florida, as alligators are opportunistic feeders that view pets as easy prey. Dozens of pets are killed by alligators in the state every year, particularly during the warmer spring and summer mating season when gators are more active.
A 74-year-old man in Florida pulled his puppy out of an alligator's mouth. pic.twitter.com/ESDZdMANuw
— Out of Context Human Race (@NoContextHumans) June 13, 2026
High-Risk Scenarios
Water’s Edge: The majority of fatal attacks occur when dogs are allowed to walk, swim, or play near the edges of lakes, canals, and ponds. Alligators often wait in the shallows for prey.
Backyards: Waterfront properties or homes near canals are high-risk areas. Attacks frequently happen when pets are let out into unfenced or fenced yards at night.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Davie firefighters and police wrangled an alligator early Friday morning that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission has been trying to capture for two years now over ongoing concerns by residents in the area, Davie Fire Rescue officials said.… pic.twitter.com/uYUshmj4MG
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) June 12, 2026
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) strongly advises the following precautions:
Keep Dogs on Leashes:
Always keep your pet on a short leash when walking near any body of water.Avoid the Water’s Edge: Never let your dog jump into Florida lakes, rivers, or canals to swim or fetch toys.
Stay Vigilant at Dawn and Dusk: Alligators are most active during the night and early morning hours. Use extra caution when letting pets out after dark in waterfront neighborhoods.