Australian farmer Colin Deveraux has shared his incredible survival story after a harrowing encounter with a crocodile. Deveraux, a cattle producer, narrowly escaped the jaws of a 3.2-meter

(10-foot) saltwater crocodile in the Northern Territory, and he attributes his survival to a surprising tactic – biting the crocodile back.

Deveraux, who had spent a month in the hospital following the attack, recounted his ordeal to ABC News. The incident unfolded while he was en route to construct fencing near the Finniss River. He decided to take a break at a billabong (a type of lake) after noticing fish in its receding waters. As he moved away from the water's edge, the crocodile suddenly lunged at him, clamping onto his right foot and violently shaking him.

In a desperate bid to free himself, Deveraux initially tried to kick the crocodile in the ribs with his other foot. However, as the life-and-death struggle continued, he resorted to a bold and unorthodox move. He bit the crocodile's eyelid, gripping onto the tough, leathery skin. With a determined jerk, he managed to force the crocodile to release its grip.

After breaking free, Deveraux made a hasty retreat to his car. The crocodile briefly pursued him for about four meters but eventually relented. Deveraux used a towel and a piece of rope to staunch the bleeding from his injured leg, and his brother rushed him to the Royal Darwin Hospital, located 130 kilometers (80 miles) to the north.

Reflecting on the encounter, Deveraux remarked, "If he [the crocodile] had bitten me somewhere else, it would have been different." The incident has profoundly affected him, leading him to reconsider his activities in the swampy terrain and prompting a change in his approach to life.

In the Northern Territory, crocodiles are not only a natural marvel but also a source of economic significance and are legally protected. They serve as a focal point for scientific research and are a key attraction for tourists. The region has experienced fatal crocodile attacks in the past, with the most recent incident occurring in April on the Kennedy River in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Photo by jean-louis zimmermann, Wikimedia commons.