By Jill Reilly


Alligator approach: The predator slowly creeps out of the lake where it has been hidden, watching the bobcat

As the alligator silently crept up behind its prey, it looked like the unsuspecting bobcat was about to become his dinner.

Perched upright, the animal was looking everywhere, except at the deadly predator behind him on the edge of the lake in Tampa, Florida.

Suddenly with only seconds to spare, the bobcat spied the threat and sprung into action, sprinting up the edge of the bank.


Dinner time: As the alligator silently crept up behind its prey, it looked like the unsuspecting feline was about to become this alligator's next meal

Oblivious: It was only when the alligator was about to pounce that the bobcat realised he was under threat

Resident Bryan Peabody snapped the close call from behind a tree as he watched the hapless bobcat get approached by the hungry 10ft-long reptile.

'I was standing there absolutely breathless,' said Mr Peabody, who was praying the feline would escape the remarkable encounter unharmed.

Alligators feed mainly on fish, turtles, snakes, and small mammals.

However, they are opportunists, and a hungry gator will eat just about anything, including carrion, pets and, in rare instances, humans.


Safe: Suddenly with only seconds to spare, the bobcat spied the threat and leapt into action, sprinting up the edge of the bank


Can't catch me: The bobcat looks behind smugly as the alligator is defeated


Back to square one: The alligator was left hungry on the edge of the grassy bank



source:dailymail