Wild moment crocodile ESCAPES from van and runs down street before zookeepers capture the beast

THIS is the wild moment a crocodile escaped from a van and ran down a street before zookeepers captured the runaway beast.

Shocking footage shows the crocodile being wrangled on a street divider in Florida after the animal broke out of a van.

The escape took place as the beast, along with other crocodiles, were being transported to another area of St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, in St. Augustine, Florida.

Alongside the 12-second video, shared on Facebook, the Zoo wrote: "THIS is why we have extensive training and do drills, to prepare for moments like this.

"Earlier today, we were relocating crocodilians to another area of the Zoo. They were secured and placed into our Zoo Van.

"This animal broke the back window of the van and made a dash down the road."

The zoo's team worked quickly to recapture the animal and safely transport it to its new home.

"At no time was there any real danger as the animal’s mouth was secured," the zoo noted.

Repite Keeper Karsyn captured the animal with the help of zoo maintenance workers Ryan and Donald.

All three were seen taking control over the large reptile on the grass-covered street divider in footage taken by Jessica Stark.

Facebook users praised the capture, which one saying: "Great job in a situation that was really scary! Your handlers are the best."

Another wrote: "I really wish I could have watched this while I was in parent pickup.

"Talk about entertaining…. Thanks you for not only keeping our streets safe but for offering the best entertainment to toddler moms & everything in between; which includes but does not exclude a cold beer, a cute nostalgia pic with a tiny gator or snake, some real St. Aug local vibes & somewhere we really do adore.

"We are so lucky to live here, with neighbors like you! Keep it up!"