Croc victim saved by snap decision

Updated 15.30 Thu Apr 03 2008
Keywords: Australia, attack, Crocodile

Rangers in an Australian nature reserve are hunting a crocodile who tried to eat a woman while she was swimming.

Wendy Petherick, 36, was enjoying a dip in Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory when the 2.5m (8ft) reptile grabbed her leg in its jaws.

Rangers in the national park have set traps to try and catch the croc before it goes for another nature lover

She was only saved when her husband Norm jumped on the beast's back and poked it in the eye before it could begin its death roll.

Mrs Petherick escaped with minor puncture wounds but is being kept in hospital.

Crocodile bites carry a high risk of infection so victims are treated with large doses of antibiotics.

Rangers in the national park have set traps to try and catch the croc before it goes for another nature lover.

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