A 65-year-old man had a rude awakening while sleeping on a beach in Australia when he was suddenly attacked by a crocodile.
The man was sleeping on the sand when he was bitten on the foot and then travelled in the night to the Mossman hospital for treatment where he has since been discharged.
A Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service spokesperson says the incident occurred at Newell Beach in Far North Queensland.
A Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokesperson said it would investigate the incident.
"Wildlife officers [will be][ attending the Newell Beach region to confirm if a crocodile is in the area. The man has not notified DES about the possible incident," they said.
The spokesperson said all crocodile sightings should be reported in a timely manner and urged people to be careful.
The man has not notified the DES about the incident.
Newell Beach is a popular spot among locals despite its reputation as a known croc country.
Everyone is urged to practice “croc-wise” behaviour in the area and to expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there are no warning signs.
In February, a man freed himself from the jaws of a large crocodile also in far north Queensland.
The 37-year-old was attempting to enter the Bloomfield River from a boat ramp with his dog when the crocodile lunged forward.
The crocodile bit the man’s leg and dragged the dog into the water, giving him multiple wounds to his lower leg.
Joshua Paterson, general manager of the Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation, told the ABC one of his rangers happened to be in the vicinity soon after the incident.
He said: “He told my ranger he’d been attacked by a large crocodile after taking his dog down to the water’s edge for a drink.
“The crocodile grabbed him by the leg and he was able to get himself out of the croc’s mouth and crawled up on to the ramp.
“He flagged down the ranger, who provided aid and then contacted emergency services.
“She was pretty shocked by the ordeal at the time. The man has significant wounds to his legs.”
