Crocodile egg collector mauled by reptile while working in 'critical' condition

30 January 2023 , 22:40

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Northern Territory Police said the man's injuries were not considered life threatening and he was undergoing emergency surgery - stock image (Image: Getty Images)

A crocodile egg collector was rushed to hospital after being mauled while working.

The man was attacked by a crocodile while collecting eggs along the Daly River, south of Darwin, Australia, and suffered serious leg injuries.

While the 29-year-old managed to free himself from the reptile's jaws, he was flown by private helicopter out of the remote area.

He was then transported to Royal Darwin Hospital in an ambulance.

Originally, Northern Territory Police said the man's injuries were not considered life-threatening and he was undergoing emergency surgery.

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However, a spokesperson for Northern Territory Heath said the man's condition had worsened and he was described as "critical".

Collectors can earn $30 AUD an egg, earning $1,800 from a single nest of up to 60 eggs (Getty Images)

The man is currently being treated as Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital - where he is described as being in a "serious but stable" condition.

It's believed the man was employed as an egg harvesting operator, reports the Mail Online.

The collection of eggs was made legal in 2018 under a commercial wildlife harvesting licence subject to strict requirements.

The 29-year-old managed to free himself from the reptile's jaws, he was flown by private helicopter out of the remote area - stock image (Getty Images/500px Prime)

Collectors can earn $30 AUD an egg, earning $1,800 from a single nest of up to 60 eggs.

The eggs are transported to crocodile farms where they are raised and then killed to make luxury crocodile leather products.

NT WorkSafe is investigating the incident.

Abigail O'Leary