This brave crane turned the tables on a stalking alligator after it stood its ground and scared the lethal predator back into the water.

The 'gator was clearly eyeing up the large wading bird as lunch, but was obviously about to bite off more than it could chew.

Footage shows the sharp-eyed crane standing on the bank of a waterway in Florida, watching as the alligator slowly emerged from the water looking for a quick meal.

But as the 'gator crawled up the embankment, the large bird - watched by three Canada geese - slowly backed away and spread its wings in a display of its size.

The crane then folded its wings and began screeching at the approaching 'gator which, after a long staring contest, decided to make its move.

But the fiesty crane immediately spread its wings again, and the 'gator quickly turned tail and slid back into the water.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission believe there are about 1.3 million alligators in the state, living across all 67 counties in wild areas that can support them.

The footage was captured on March 16.