Locals in Florida were shocked by the sight of a decapitated alligator floating in the water with shark bites across its body.

Footage shows the headless reptile floating in the waters of Pompano Beach on October 28, with what appear to be bites from a predatory animal on its body and tail.

'That's something you don't see every day in the bay', says the filmer, Mark, in the video.

'Look at that, I'm surprised the shark didn't eat more of it.'

Authorities have not yet commented on the incident.

Florida has a huge wild alligator population estimated to be as many as 1.3 million. They live in rivers, swamps, ponds, and lakes and often appear in front of humans.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found that female alligators typically do not grow beyond 10ft, while males can reach even larger sizes. The state record stands at 14ft 3.5 inches.