This is the moment a huge alligator prowls a neighbourhood street and gives residents an early morning scare.

The unusual scene was filmed in the city of Venice in Sarasota County located in the US state of Florida on Easter Sunday.

The police said the alligator, around 10 feet in length, was spotted prowling the streets in the morning before officers helped to guide the huge reptile back to its home in Harrington Lake.

In a statement obtained by Newsflash, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) said on 17th April: “First things first: Happy Easter! Secondly, we’re not sure if the Easter bunny made its way to Harrington Lake in Venice this morning after coming across this bad boy…

“We’re guessing he was about 10 feet in length and boy, did he take his time making it back to the lake he came from (we can’t blame him just thinking about how heavy that tail must be).

“FWC [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission] was advised but did not respond. For that reason, it’s safe to assume he’s still swimming in this lake, enjoying this beautiful Easter Sunday.”

The SCSO added: “Stay safe and call us if you need us.”

In the footage, the large alligator is seen strolling along a resident’s front lawn as a cop car pulls up alongside it.

One officer jokes: “Walking our pet alligator this morning.”

The reptile stops to lie on the grass and the cop says “ah, I’m tired, think I’ll take a break.”

The officers follow the reptile as it passes more houses.

In the next scene, the huge gator is seen sauntering towards a body of water, presumably Harrington Lake, as the officers follow from a safe distance.

The stocky reptile then sinks into the water with a splash as the video comes to an end.