It's always nice having a special relationship with animals, whether that be a dog, cat or a less common pet.
However, one animal you wouldn't expect humans to have such a close bond with is the alligator.
However, self-titled 'Gator Crusader' Michael Womer appears to have a very special connection with the reptiles, as he feeds them hot dogs with his own mouth and handles them blindfolded.
The fearless wildlife lover is even on a mission to let the world know that 'alligators are awesome'.
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Michael, from Florida, claims he's not weird, despite his bizarre antics.
His stunts are incredibly dangerous, but - luckily - nothing has gone horrifically wrong as of yet.
He even dresses up for the occasion, sometimes wearing as little as just a pair of swimming trucks when he's interacting with the mammoth creatures.
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Having dreamt about training alligators since the age of seven, Michael is now hoping to see more people become comfortable with the animals.
And his story has certainly garnered a lot of attention, with Michael even being named 'Florida Man of the Year' by a news station in central Florida.
His stunts have gone viral thanks to his popular YouTube channel and a number of TV appearances in the US and across the globe.
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Speaking in an interview with Good Morning Britain in 2017, Michael discussed his love for alligators.
He told hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway: "When I was seven years old I saw an alligator show. I was fascinated, I forgot all my problems, while I was watching this man with this dinosaur I forgot all my worries.
"I remembered thinking I want to make other people feel that way, for a few minutes feel relaxed and be entertained."
"I definitely want people to know I’m pretty crazy but I’m not just a weird guy who goes to the wild and tries this. These are alligators I have worked with for years. A lot of the training involves building a bond with them," he added.
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"When it comes to holidays I will stay in their pen with them, New Year's Eve I don’t go out with everyone else and party.
"I stay in the pen and sing songs to them because I know the fireworks in the sky would possibly scare them. I re-enact movies to them and sing songs to them."
Topics: Animals, Florida, Nature, World News
Callum Jones