“Alligator and Turtle Coexisting in Florida Pond: A Surprising Sight”

“When you see a turtle riding an alligator like a horse in a pond, you know you’re in Florida. I’ve seen a lot of turtles around alligators before, so I wasn’t totally shocked,” Henninger said in a Facebook post.

Florida is home to approximately 1.3 million alligators, as well as more than 30 species of turtles, most of which live in freshwater. Both groups of reptiles are found in ponds, swamps, rivers and wetlands across the country.

“I have a lot of experience with alligators and they don’t seem too bothered by other animals. Most have a natural fear of humans, but otherwise share their territory with birds, turtles and other animals,” Henninger told Newsweek.

True, there is always a chance that the alligator will suddenly think of putting a turtle on the rake. Alligators are not very picky eaters and will eat almost anything in their vicinity at the right time.

In this case, the alligator apparently wasn’t hungry, because with the turtle on its back, it simply swam to the edge of the pond and stayed there. When Henninger returned to the pond moments later, the alligator and the turtle were still there, only the turtle was now sitting on a log.