An Australian farmer bit a saltwater crocodile on the eyelid to save himself from being killed by the reptile.

Cattle herder Colin Deveraux was attacked by a 3.2-metre-long crocodile while he was on his way to put up some fencing near the Finniss River in Northern Territory last month.

The farmer, who was described as being a “veteran” in his sixties by public broadcaster ABC, had stopped by a lake when he noticed fish swimming in the middle of its receded water. As he began to step away a crocodile “latched” onto his right foot, he said.