A man in Florida was left terrified after an alligator attacked his car as the creature emerged from the flood waters caused by Hurricane Milton, with wildlife experts warning that apex predators are another grave risk associated with surging floodwaters.

A Florida man experienced a shocking encounter with an alligator while inside his car on Wednesday night, as the reptile surged from the flood waters unleashed by Hurricane Milton.

The harrowing video shows the man looking out of his car window only to see a “big f—— alligator” chomping at his tyres, prompting him to hastily retreat back into his vehicle. The darkness of the night made the gator harder to spot, intensifying the fear factor of the incident.

Experts in wildlife have issued warnings that top predators like alligators represent a serious danger during floods, which can sweep them away for miles, potentially landing right at people’s doorsteps. This caution came just hours before Milton hit Florida.

Christopher Gillette, who operates an animal sanctuary in Putnam County, took to Instagram to alert locals about the possibility of encountering displaced animals amidst the flooding. As he prepared Bellowing Acres sanctuary for the storm, he urged his followers to be aware of animals trying to survive the catastrophic event.

“There will be lots of disturbed animals on the move, they’re trying to survive the storm too,” he wrote. Particularly concerning are alligators, which according to Mirror US, can submerge themselves and hold their breath for up to six hours, reports the Manchester Evening News.

MAN discovers MASSIVE CROCODILE in his home after HURRICANE MILTON’S flooding

The historic Category 3 storm has wreaked havoc in Florida, causing catastrophic floods and terrifying residents with its 120mph winds. The eye of the storm hit Tampa Bay directly, marking the first time in over a century that such a severe hurricane has struck the area, leaving more than two million homes and businesses without power.

In St. Lucie County alone, the storm has completely destroyed at least 125 properties, including a significant 10,000 square sheriff’s office.

Tragically, at least 12 people have been confirmed dead, half of whom were killed by tornadoes that ravaged Florida in the hours before Milton made landfall.