Bold prairie dog climbs on sleeping alligator's nose

May 2 (UPI) -- A visitor to a Massachusetts zoo captured video of a brave prairie dog running up to a sleeping alligator and waking it up by climbing on its snout.

Keith Poisant Sr. posted a video to YouTube showing the prairie dog slowly approaching the motionless alligator Saturday at Southwick's Zoo in Mendon.

The prairie dog stands for a few moments inches away from the alligator's nose -- and its deadly jaws -- before boldly climbing onto the gator's snout.

The alligator apparently wakes to find the prairie dog using it as a climbing tool and opens its mouth, causing the small mammal to flee.