This is the shocking moment a rabbit was seen wrestling a wild snake in a family's back garden.

Jerry Vernail spotted the Eastern Cottontail bunny biting and kicking the black serpent in Jefferson Township, New Jersey.

Footage shows the snake attempting to slither out of the yard into the bushes when the brown-furred doe chased and pinned it down on November 5.

The doting rabbit then proceeded to bite its body, but the snake eventually managed to crawl into the bushes.

Eastern Cottontail rabbits are most active during dawn and dusk, spending their time foraging for food while remaining alert to avoid predators.

Experts said that these rabbits are prey animals. They usually flee to safety and do not confront predators. However, they may become aggressive and defensive if they perceive a direct threat to their nest or young, especially when protecting their kits.