Moment heron picks up hatchling alligator while its mother tries to stop it at ... trends now
This is the spectacular moment a heron flew off with a baby alligator while its mother gave chase.
Retired photographer Ted Roberts captured the stunning scene at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, Florida, where he is a volunteer tour guide.
Roberts said in a Facebook post on the Orlando Wetlands Park page earlier this month: 'While waiting between tours we heard a commotion and saw a Great Blue Heron jump out onto the road with a baby Alligator in its mouth followed closely by the angry mother Alligator futilely giving chase.'
The post has received more than 1,000 Facebook reactions and shares.
Retired photographer Ted Roberts captured the rare moment at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, Florida where he is a volunteer tour guide
Roberts later said the heron flew right past him and 'got away with the baby alligator for a meal'.
After giving chase, the alligator made its way back into the foliage.
Roberts told Fox News Digital: 'When I saw the heron carrying its prey I jumped up and started snapping photos.
'I am thrilled, stunned and humbled that the photo is garnering so much attention.
'It was an instance of being in the right place at the right time and being trained to be ready – which sums up what so much of wildlife photography is about.'
Roberts said his volunteer work at the wetlands park enables him to take an amazing variety of photographs because 'the biodiversity level is very high'.
'I am very blessed to be part of a community of photographers and volunteers at Orlando Wetlands Park,' Roberts added.
'We support and appreciate each other's photography, so the recognition that this particular photo is receiving feels like an extension of that community.'
The Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland set up to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities.
It spans 1650
