Remarkable footage has captured an extremely large confrontation between an alligator and an anaconda in Brazil.

The snake wrapped itself around the alligator in what turned out to be a dramatic 40-minute fight for survival on the banks of the Cuiabá River.

The alligator desperately tried to break free as the anaconda constricted more and more and the giant reptile sank its teeth into it. But the fierce fight ended in a draw after the alligator shied away from its attacker.

Wildlife photographer Kim Sullivan from Indiana said: “The alligator dove [into the water]. I could see the tip of the anaconda’s nose stretching out to get air. The alligator surfaced still constrained by the snake and then went back under for a long time. This time it came up free again and we didn’t see the snake.

“The alligator calmly returned to the bank and we kept our eyes fixed on the river until we finally saw the anaconda reach the riverbank and slide back into its hole.”

These photos captured the moment a giant alligator sank its teeth into an anaconda that grabbed it tightly in a dramatic wrestling match on the banks of the Cuiabá River in Brazil.

Wildlife photographer Kim Sullivan of Indiana witnessed the 40-minute fight between the pair in September, which ended in a draw.

The anaconda wrapped itself around the alligator, squeezing it tightly in its grip, before the alligator dragged the snake underwater where it eventually let go.

The photographer said it was a scene between the shrimp and the anaconda and that it was a once-in-a-lifetime sighting.

Kim said: “There was intermittent tension as the alligator tried to free itself from the vehicle which lasted for 40 minutes. It was gasping for air and the anaconda was becoming increasingly constricted.”

Kim said to escape the anaconda’s strong grip, the alligator dove underwater, where the snake struggled to get air and eventually loosened its grip.

She said: “The alligator surfaced still entangled in the snake, then submerged itself in it for an extended period. When it resurfaced, it was free and the snake was nowhere to be seen.”

Kim realized there was no winner and said, ‘The alligator calmly returned to the bank… eventually we saw the anaconda reach the river bank and slide back into its hole.’