Expert Chris Gillete explains why crocodile attacked alligator near Shark Valley in the Florida Everglades

An extraordinary video has emerged of a crocodile attacking an alligator in front of stunned onlookers.

And now an expert has been able to explain what was behind the shocking behaviour.

The video was captured near the Shark Valley in the Florida Everglades and shows the female crocodile snapping and hissing at the male alligator.

Both reptiles end up trading blows and, in the process, drawing blood from each other.

Crocodilian expert Chris Gillette dissected the video and said it’s possible the crocodile was just protecting its nest from the alligator.

“Florida is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators are native to the area, and they usually coexist peacefully,” Gillette said.

“But in this instance, the croc really has it out for the gator.”

Gillette does note, however, that despite coexisting peacefully with one another, they can still be very territorial.

“I’m assuming the croc has a nest nearby and is defending that from the gator,” he said.

“It’s the right time of year when crocs would be nesting, and if that’s the case, it would really explain the aggression towards the croc.”

Despite the continued snapping from the croc, the gator looks confused and snaps back in bewilderment.

“The gator is just moving about his day, and the croc is determined to get him out of the area,” Gillette said.

Gillette noted that gators and crocs don’t often kill each other for looking different.

“You can usually see crocs and gators basking together year-round and hanging out without any conflict,” he said.