Nation Florida man fights off attacking alligator by poking its eyes; survives with 65 stitches September 21, 2020Ed Killer, Treasure Coast NewspapersComments Off on Florida man fights off attacking alligator by poking its eyes; survives with 65 stitches Mark Johnson, 61, was attacked by alligator and survived with 65 stitches. Here's the trick he used, which FWC warns doesn't always work.