A photographer encountered a close call with a mama alligator in north Florida after getting a bit too close to its babies.
The gator is seen in the video launching from the water toward a man who was inching closer for a good photograph.
The gator bit the photographer’s tripod as he leaped backward through nearby bushes.
Ben Boukari Jr., who filmed the encounter on a trail in Paynes Prairie in Gainesville, remained on the boardwalk above the gator in a safe location along with other bystanders.
Despite nearly getting bit, the man pulled out his cellphone and continued to take photos. The hissing gator, in response, warned the persistent photographer with another snap.
As the gator crawled back into the water, the man moved in closer, this time to grab his bag. The gator charged once again before the photographer grabbed his belongings and hopped back on the trail.
"Certainly a what not to do," said Boukari.
Courtesy of our news partner at NBC Miami