This brave crane turned the tables on a stalking alligator after it stood its ground and scared the lethal predator back into the water.<br /><br />The 'gator was clearly eyeing up the large wading bird as lunch, but was obviously about to bite off more than it could chew.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />But as the 'gator crawled up the embankment, the large bird - watched by three Canada geese - slowly backed away and spread its wings in a display of its size. <br /><br />The crane then folded its wings and began screeching at the approaching 'gator which, after a long staring contest, decided to make its move. <br /><br />But the fiesty crane immediately spread its wings again, and the 'gator quickly turned tail and slid back into the water.<br /><br />The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission believe there are about 1.3 million alligators in the state, living across all 67 counties in wild areas that can support them.<br /><br />The footage was captured on March 16.
