A videograb shows smoke coming out of alligator's mouth minutes after it ate the drone.

Gulf Today Report

A video clip of an alligator eating a drone that tried to film it in a swamp in the US state of Florida has been widely circulated, after it pounced on it at a lightning speed, causing it to explode between its jaws, according to local media.

The video footage the swamp in Florida shows the alligator, pounce on the drone that was flying near it, and apply its jaws to it, but the device's battery burned out moments later, inside the huge animal's mouth.

The video showed smoke coming out of its jaw.

In a comment accompanying the video, the drone operator admitted that they were trying to get a close-up of the animal, and thought the drones' sensors would help keep it a safe distance from the alligator.

The video angered many users of social media, who called for stricter regulation of the use of drones, especially around animals.

One described the act as "cruel and sad," and called for the perpetrators to be arrested.