Crocodile Match: Australian Man Survives Attack by Biting Back at 10-Foot Reptile

An Australian man survived a saltwater crocodile attack through a bizarre situation after biting back at the 10-foot reptile in Australia's Northern Territory, according to reports earlier this week.

The incident occurred in October when the victim, named Colin Deveraux, was on his way to perform fencing duties near the state's Finniss River. Following the croc attack, Deveraux spent a month in hospital to recover.

Australian Man Bites Crocodile

Prior to his escape to survival and recovery, Deveraux underwent a life-threatening situation when the crocodile bit one of his legs and attempted to pull him into deeper water. The attack occurred when he stopped near a lake after he noticed some fish swimming in the withdrawing waters.

As the Australian man tried to move away, the crocodile suddenly grabbed his right leg and shook him. While Deveraux is being taken into the predator's territory, a twist of events occurs that even the saltwater crocodile did not expect. Deveraux, a cattle producer, reportedly recalled biting the eyelid of the giant predator.

This move resulted in the crocodile of letting go its grip on the man, who accidentally bit the reptile's leather-like eyelid after initially attempting to kick the crocodile's ribs with his other foot. The veteran cattleman, who hails from Twin Hill Station, is expected to walk out fully recovered after receiving treatment at Royal Darwin Hospital.

How Aggressive are Saltwater Crocodiles?

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are the world's largest crocodile species and largest living reptile with a notorious track record of not only being an apex predator in shallow, freshwater ecosystems but also even on killing humans and other large animals.

Saltwater crocodiles have a wide range of menu available to them and are known for hunting a variety of prey, ranging from crabs and fish to birds, as well as turtles, pigs, and buffalos, according to the non-profit organization Oceana.

Responsible for at least several dozen attacks on humans each year, saltwater crocodiles are known for their aggression towards people, due to their wild territorial behavior being a contributing factor. This violent tendency of C. porosus is still retained by the reptiles while in captivity.

Australia Crocodile Attacks

Wildlife authorities estimate that there are between 100,000 and 200,000 adult saltwater crocodiles across Australia. A top predator of all 27 species of crocodilians, C. porosus can grow to more than 23 feet in length and weigh over 2,200 pounds. Due to their colossal size and aggressive behavior, it is no wonder that multiple attacks have been reported in the country in recent years.

Earlier this year, a 67-year-old man was hospitalized after a crocodile attack at a popular swimming spot in Northern Territory. In 2021, two crocodiles took and ate a 68-year-old fisher from his boat in Queensland, Australia. Also in 2021, a crocodile attacked two soldiers while they were fishing in Queensland.