Beachgoers expecting to enjoy a sunny, tranquil day by the ocean were met with a surprise when a huge freshwater alligator was spotted sunbathing. The huge reptile, estimated to be more than 6ft (1.82m) long was spotted by sea turtle researchers carrying out a morning patrol near Houston, Texas.
Shocked residents also spotted the unusual beachgoer enjoying some sunshine, in a scene some have likened to straight out of "Jurassic Park". They suggested it may have been hunting for prey in the area, or potentially using the seawater to kill off parasites.
The sighting happened on the morning of Tuesday, April 4, in Bolivar Peninsula, near Houston. It has been proven that freshwater alligators, which usually live in rivers, lakes and swamps, can in fact tolerate saltwater for several hours, sometimes even days.
