Man survives crocodile attack by grabbing predator and 'jerking' back its eyelid

08 November 2023 , 22:56

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He said the crocodile which attacked him had now been "removed" (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

An Australian man has miraculously survived a crocodile attack by grabbing the beast, holding back its eyelid and biting it back.

Northern Territory cattle producer Colin Deveraux is counting his blessings after he was attacked by a 3.2 metre saltwater crocodile and bit its eyelid in the hope of survival. The man in his mid-60s said to ABC News that he stopped at a lake while he was travelling to build fencing near the Finniss River last month.

Speaking after spending a month in hospital recovering, he explained that he paused by the lake after noticing fish swimming in the middle of its retreating waters. After he stepped away again, the crocodile "latched" onto his right foot, shaking him like a "rag doll" and pulling him into the water. He continued: "The water had receded and it was down to this dirty water in the middle. I took two steps and the dirty b*****d [the crocodile] latched onto my right foot."

Mr Deveraux said he first tried kicking the crocodile in the ribs with his other foot, before biting the reptile back. "I was in such an awkward position… but by accident, my teeth caught his eyelid. It was pretty thick, like holding onto leather, but I jerked back on his eyelid and he let go. I leapt away and took off with great steps up to where my car was. He chased me for a bit, maybe four metres, but then stopped."

The veteran cattleman received a skin graft earlier this month and said he could feel his toes - doctors were hopeful he could walk out of the hospital this week. He said the crocodile which attacked him had now been "removed", without providing further details.

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Mr Deveraux said he will now have to change careers: "It means I’ve got to change what I do. I’ve been walking around that swamp country too long fixing fences and living life, but it’s opened my eyes."

Rachel Hagan