Woman attacked by a pelican on vaction

WTVG --

When she flew out of Toledo Express this week Debbie Shoemaker never expected to be attacked, especially not by a pelican. Bandaged and bruised, Debbie Shoemaker is recovering from an accident that may qualify as a first.

"This is the first. They had never treated anybody for an injury by a pelican."

The 50-year-old was swimming in the shallow water just off the beach in St. Petersburg Florida. She was there on vacation by herself this week when the freak collision happened.

"Out of the tip of my eye I saw the pelican. It smashed into the left side of my face."

Witnesses told her the impact was so severe it killed the large bird. Paramedics rushed her to the local hospital. Shoemaker needed 25 stitches to mend the three-inch gash through her cheek.

"I'm really, truthfully thankful to be alive cause it could've killed me."

Shoemaker cut her trip short and came home to her husband today. She has the same hotel in St. Petersburg booked for this time next year. After this run-in with the pelican, Shoemaker says she'll think twice before taking the trip.

"I'll have to see if I will travel by myself anymore."

Doctors in St. Petersburg told Shoemaker they have never seen anything like this. There's no definite way to tell what provoked the attack.

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