Australian farmer Colin Devereaux was lucky to be alive after being attacked by a three-meter saltwater crocodile, ABC News reports.
The incident happened as Colin was preparing to build a fence near the Finniss River in Australia last month. He stopped by the swamp, noticing fish swimming on the surface.
“I only took two steps before the damn crocodile grabbed my right leg. He grabbed me tightly and shook me like a rag doll, dragging me into the water with him,” Devereaux said.
The 60-year-old man said he tried to kick the crocodile with his free left leg and even tried to bite the animal in response.
“I was in an awkward position, but by chance, I managed to get my teeth into his eyelid. It was quite thick, I gave it a sharp tug and he let me go. I jumped away and ran to my car. He chased me for a bit, but then he stopped.” says Devereux.
The farmer used a towel and rope to bandage his leg and stop the bleeding. His brother then took Colin to the nearest hospital, which is 130 kilometers away from the scene of the incident. He is now receiving treatment.
The main problem was removing all the harmful bacteria from the wound.
“My leg was badly torn, and I think we had to wash it out for over 10 days,” he noted.
He underwent skin grafts this month. The farmer said he could feel his fingers and doctors hope he will be able to leave the hospital this week.
“It all happened in probably eight seconds. If the crocodile had bitten me in another place, everything would have been different. This is a sign that I need to change my life. I’ve been walking around that swampy area for too long, mending fences and living my life, but what happened opened my eyes,” he said.
Devereaux shared that the crocodile that attacked him is no longer a threat and has been “resolved.”