A South Carolina woman is being called a hero after she saved her husband during an alligator attack using nothing but a tomato stake.

According to NBC Palm Springs, Joe and Marian Roeser were gardening outside their Sun City Hilton Head home when the large reptile attacked the man.

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office says Joe was spreading mulch with his back turned to the pond when an alligator lunged at him from the water.

Upon hearing her husband scream, Marian grabbed a tomato stake, and struck the alligator with it until it released him.

"It does sound like they went for the eyes," Lt. Danny Allen told NBC Palm Springs. "His wife is a hero."

Joe was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The alligator was captured and euthanized.

Lt. Allen reminds residents that April and May are peak breeding and movement times for alligators, which increases the likelihood of aggressive encounters.

He said don’t ignore an alligator that lingers near your property and to call the Department of Natural Resources immediately.

“If attacked,” Lt. Allen says, “fight for your life. Aim for the eyes but hit wherever you can. And if you see someone else in danger, call 911 right away.”