WATCH: Two-metre alligator turns woman’s backyard pool into a shocking sight for netizens

In an unusual encounter that has left both locals and internet users astonished, a Florida woman became an unexpected host to a two-metre alligator lounging in her swimming pool.

The bizarre incident, captured on video and shared by her niece, Sarah Ashley (momma loop/@sarahashley22222), on TikTok, has gone viral, amassing over three million views and a flurry of reactions from around the globe.

Katy Sharp, 65, understandably felt apprehensive when she stumbled upon a reptilian invader in her outdoor oasis. 

“She was scared half to death,” said Ashley, recounting her aunt's shock at finding a formidable alligator enjoying her amenities.

The video, aptly captioned ‘My aunt is having a worse day than all of us,’ showcases a bewildered officer entering the enclosed pool area only to freeze at the sight of the gator making waves in the water.

As the footage rolls, viewers are treated to the spectacle of the alligator thrashing and rolling, refusing to exit the pool without a fight.

A trained handler arrives with a catch pole, exuding a mix of determination and strength as he attempts to secure the slippery intruder.

Despite the alligator’s powerful resistance, the handler successfully drags the animal from the water, ultimately leading it away from Sharp's property.

Ashley mentioned that the alligator's estimated length was about 3.4 metres, raising questions about how it navigated from a nearby pond to the backyard oasis.

Remarkably, the handler noted that part of the alligator’s tail had been bitten off, suggesting it had a long history of wild encounters. 

As the video garnered an array of comments, users expressed both amusement and horror at the situation.

One user, @nanacatira, praised the handler's sheer strength, commenting, “Nobody is commenting on the strength of that guy!! He just pulled a huge gator just by brute force!!”

Meanwhile, others likened Florida to “America's version of Australia” - a testament to the state's unique wildlife encounters.

For those contemplating a night swim, @pettie offered an anxious reminder: “Imagine jumping in for a night swim without seeing that.”

Another user, @phellahphilips, humorously remarked, “I would never swim in that pool again 👐🏾.”

Despite the potential for a frightful encounter, it’s worth noting that no injuries were reported during the alligator's removal.

The Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) defines a nuisance alligator as one that measures at least 1.2 metres and poses threats to people, pets or property.

Alligators, which can grow over 3.6 metres in length and weigh up to 450 kilograms, thrive in Florida’s swampy landscapes.

Although a very real danger, the odds of encountering one in your backyard are relatively slim - but as this unconventional story shows, it is not impossible.

The unwanted guest was safely removed and relocated to a wildlife reserve, where it can once again bask in its natural habitat.