A man got the shock of his life he was suddenly confronted by an 11ft alligator while he was out fishing for the day.
A video captured on a Go Pro captures the man’s horror as he casts his line into the lake and realises the reptile is swimming towards him.
In heart-stopping footage, the fisherman, called Tommy, makes a run for it after the huge creature silently glides through the water and emerges on the bank.
But then disaster strikes as he trips and falls with the alligator hot on his tail.
In his panic, the Tommy’s camera falls, but thankfully he manages to get back to his feet again.
(Image: Viral Hog)
The 22-year-old urges the alligator to get back into the water, but is forced to retreat even further when the terrifying creatures begins to advance towards him a second time.
Eventually, the alligator retreats back to the lake.
After it has gone, Tommy suddenly doesn’t fancy fishing so much anymore.
“I’m out of here, screw that,” he says.
Afterwards, Tommy explained alongside the footage: “Well, that put an end to my tarpon fishing… wow!
(Image: Viral Hog)
“I was tarpon fishing at sunrise when an 11-foot plus bull gator stalked me then chased me.
“The camera is a GoPro with a wide angle. The gator appeared much larger and closer in person. It got within 10ft of me.
“I ran backward and fell as he chased me. Then I confronted him and he chased me again before retreating back to the water. Then I retreated back to my truck.”
The incident occurred in the Everglades in Florida, where it is currently alligator mating season.
(Image: Viral Hog)
Experts at Gatorland have been warning the public to be vigilant, particularly at the moment.
They stress that any body of water in the state of Florida can be home to alligators.
They are looking for mates and nesting sites, gators in the state can move into pools, ditches and other unsuspecting bodies of water, so check everywhere carefully before getting in yourself.
The experts also warn people not to approach the reptiles as they can be incredibly territorial.
They even advise that members of the public should take extra caution in shallow water as to alligators, the sound of splashing can be potential prey in distress.