Man recovering after being 'bitten on the head' in WA crocodile attack
A man is recovering in hospital after being "bitten on the head" by a crocodile while crabbing in Western Australia's Kimberley region.
The victim was reportedly with friends near the tourist destination Horizontal Falls about 5pm yesterday when the crocodile launched out of the water.
The father of one of the man's friends contacted Perth radio station 6PR and said another man in the group used a knife to fight the crocodile off.
READ MORE: Warning towns could be cut off for a week as thousands flee Victoria floods
"A croc leapt out and grabbed one of them by the head," he told 6PR.
"His mate who was in the tinny with him, a quick thinker, grabbed a knife and stabbed the croc in the head with a knife."
The man, who did not suffer serious injuries, is recovering at home.
Murdoch University crocodile expert Associate Professor David Morgan said the men "are so lucky."
"The mate that came to his mate's rescue, I'm sure he's got beer for life."
The duo, who were off duty at the time, work for Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures.
"Both men were undertaking personal activities outside of work hours on a non-guest fishing vessel when the incident occurred," the company said.
READ MORE: Aussies travelling in coming months warned
The Western Australian man was reportedly attacked by the crocodile while crabbing. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Royal Flying Doctor gave immediate medical advice over the phone but the injured men weren't airlifted to hospital.
They were instead flown by their employer to Broome Hospital today.
According to experts, warmer water means the reptiles flock to the region at this time of year.
"There are thousands of estuarine salt water crocodiles in that region and King Sound in general, yeah it's a hotspot for crocodiles," Morgan said.
Parks and Wildlife are patrolling the area to search for a crocodile that matches the description.
If the reptile still poses a threat, they may remove it from the water.
The attack has prompted visitors to be on high alert.
6PR is owned by Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of this website.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
