WATCH: Brave Sandhill Crane Dad Shields Family From Gator

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL -- Port Charlotte resident Eric Drexler caught this video of an intrepid sand hill crane father drawing an alligator away from his mate and colt (baby sand hill crane) as the gator crossed a Port Charlotte golf course.

Who knew the sand hill crane's massive wingspan served a purpose other than flying?

"I saw something really cool the other day while golfing," Drexler wrote on his Facebook page. "A sand hill crane with a 6-foot wingspan was escorting an alligator from one body of water to another. He was actually protecting his wife and baby. That is one devoted dad."

Video via Eric Drexler