An Australian crocodile farmer who found himself caught in the jaws of a deadly
saltwater crocodile is recovering after being accidentally shot by the friend
who came to rescue him.

The Northern Territory News reported that Zac Fitzgerald and Jason Grant were
collecting eggs in Marrakai Station, about 120km east of Darwin on Tuesday
night.

Local police said the crocodile suddenly emerged from the water, grabbing the Mr
Grant by the lower right arm.

His colleague Zac Fitzgerald rushed to his aid, shooting at the crocodile and
causing it to let go of Mr Grant.

However he then fired again and shot his friend in the upper right arm.

Despite this, their boss from the Darwin Crocodile Farm, Mick Burns, insisted Mr
Fitzgerald's actions probably saved the other man's life.

'Jason said to me: 'Thank God he's a good shot',' he told the local paper.

Mr Burns said his injured worker was in good spirits, despite a suspected broken
arm and bite damage in addition to the bullet wound.

Mr Burns said: 'His first words to me were: 'I don't think I'll be at work for a
couple of days.'

Story from RTÉ News:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0123/crocodile.html


Ray