Illustration of a crocodile.
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skeeze / Pixabay
A miracle.
An Australian survived a crocodile attack after successfully loosening its jaw on Thursday in northern Australia.
The 44-year-old man was swimming in a park near the tourist town of Cairns, Queensland, when he was bitten by the reptile.
"He suddenly felt something hug the top of his head, he knew it was a crocodile," said Paul Sweeney, who works for the Queensland rescue service.
"He put his hands in [the crocodile's] jaw to free his head and when he did, the jaw closed on his left index finger."
"He was very lucky"
Paul Sweeney explained that the man was then forced to swim a long distance to reach the shore with fear of being caught by the animal.
When help arrived, the "surprisingly calm" victim was seated.
The 40-year-old suffers from injuries to the head, face, shoulder and hand.
He was taken to a hospital in Cairns and his recovery is expected to be swift.
“He was very lucky,” according to Paul Sweeney.
The region has many saltwater crocodiles, but attacks remain relatively rare.
“He's a pretty tough person who said he'll be back swimming soon.
So a braver man than me, ”joked the rescuer.
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World
Animals
Unusual
Crocodile
Australia