Credit: SWNS/ Laura Akin /AMAZING ANIMALS+ / TMX

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.