A new image showing a raccoon riding on top of an alligator in a national forest in the United States has become an internet sensation.

The photo captured by Richard Jones was taken in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida on Sunday.

Jones took the photo when he was walking along the Oaklawaha River with his family.

"I snapped a lucky picture right when the gator slipped into the water and before the raccoon jumped off and scurried away," Jones told local television station WFTV.

"Without the context you'd think the raccoon was hitching a ride across the river. Pretty amazing."

"Definitely the photo of a lifetime," he added.

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