The Florida Gators' mascot shielded a kid from a foul ball like a hero -- and the kid reacted brilliantly

Mascots. They're here to entertain and playfully harass the opposition.

Sometimes, they're called into action on a spur-of-the-moment situation, such as when a foul ball is in the air heading in the general direction of a small child in the stands.

That's what happened in the Florida Gators' win over the University of Central Florida on Wednesday, thanks to the brave efforts of Albert, their lovable alligator mascot. And after his good deed was over, the kid -- clearly up for a role in this -- adminstered fake CPR, too!

Saving children from foul balls - just another reason to follow @AlbertGator on Twitter! #GoGators pic.twitter.com/44j6FgkpXa — Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) April 19, 2017

Thank you, Albert. And kid.