A huge alligator terrified a beachgoer who spotted it swimming in the sea off a tourist island.
Matt Harvill was on the beach with his girlfriend when he spotted the creature as it frolicked in the waves off Dauphin Island - a holiday destination in the US state of Alabama.
Despite his shock, Matt whipped out his phone and filmed the enormous reptile, saying: “Tell me where you can go to the beach and the f***Ing zoo at the same time”.
Matt posted the images on social media where they have been viewed 75,000 times.
Matt added: “The things you never think you’ll see. First time seeing a gator on Dauphin Island.
“It was just a very beautiful day and my girlfriend and I were just spending some time on the beach when someone mentioned it.
“So, we walked down to get a better look and snap some pictures. It’s not every day something like that happens.
“We see them in Dog River and the Bird sanctuary, but almost never in the Gulf like that.”
He added: “I knew if I didn’t get pictures no one would ever believe it.”
Matt said the alligator appeared more curious than anything.
One local resident commented: “He’s body surfing", with another added" “I will freak out if I see this. New fear of the beach unlocked.”
Nicholas said: “They go there in search of sea turtle eggs.”
Brad remarked: “That’s cool. Crazy, but cool! It’s been too long since I’ve been to the Island.”
It's not the first time an alligator has popped up unexpectedly recently after a huge reptile appeared at a US racetrack.
A seven-horse field was competing at the iconic American racecourse in Tampa Bay Downs, Florida, in race six, when another creature joined them on the track.
Around 20 seconds into the race the field took a swinging left turn as they began their approach to the straight.
The alligator's presence disrupted the race as Manny Jimenez on Papa Jimmy was forced to take evasive action and the two backmarkers were also involved in the drama after the alligator in question appeared to take a swipe at Mapache G.
The reptile then appeared to lash out again, this time at back marker Macho Real.
