The chilling image shows an alligator lurking in the water before leaving the 6-year-old boy manhandled during a family outing

CHILLING pictures show an alligator lurking in the water after biting a six-year-old boy during a family outing.

The horrifying encounter happened Sunday in Lake Maurepas, just off the Tickfaw River in Louisiana.

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The boy’s mother, Tiffany Cressionnie, told WAFB that her family was enjoying a boat ride on the lake when they stopped at the sandbar for a swim.

Shortly after stepping into the water, Cressionnie said she heard a “scream” from her son Gavin.

“We were out there, my son suddenly screamed, something bit me, my husband lifted him out of the water not knowing what it was,” she told the outlet.

“And he said, ‘Take me on board.’ I looked over my husband’s shoulder and could see an alligator behind him. We live here, so we’re looking around religiously, but obviously there was one out there that we didn’t see.”

The alligator bit Gavin’s right foot, leaving small wounds on his heel.

Cressionnie said her son is expected to be fine and will be monitored for possible infections.

Livingston Parish Fire District 2 officials have warned people on Facebook to stop feeding the alligators.

Officials say too many people are feeding them, making them more comfortable approaching boats and swimmers.