Man shot while in jaws of crocodile

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 Mr Grant by the lower right arm.

His colleague Mr 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.'