An alligator that wandered into a family's backyard was shooed by the resident - using a broom.

The reptile found itself an unwelcome guest in the Pirates Cove subdivision near Mile Marker 98 in Key Largo, Florida, on Friday morning, January 31.

Monroe County Sheriff's Office Sergeant James Hager assisted residents in safely guiding the reptile away from a pool area.

Footage shows Hager driving the unbothered creature away using a shovel before the resident used a broomstick to direct the uninvited visitor back into the nearby lake.

No injuries or damage were reported, but authorities reminded residents to stay cautious around crocodiles and alligators and to report sightings in residential areas.

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.