By Phil Mercer
BBC, Sydney |
 Saltwater crocodiles can be extremely aggressive |
A 60-year-old woman is being hailed for her bravery, after she jumped on the back of a crocodile as it dragged a man from his tent in Australia. Officials said the giant predator then attacked the woman before it was shot dead by another camper.
The drama occurred at a campsite north of Cairns in Queensland.
The two victims were taken to hospital in Cairns, where they are said to be stable. Authorities have not yet released their names or nationalities.
The crocodile's first victim was asleep with his wife and child when the 12.5 foot (4 metre) long reptile struck.
The man was dragged from his tent and suffered a broken leg and numerous cuts and bruises.
Hearing the commotion, a 60-year-old woman leapt out of her bed and raced to help.
She jumped on the crocodile's back before she too was attacked.
The animal tried to drag her into nearby water before the intervention of another camper who managed to shoot it dead.
The woman broke an arm in the ordeal before both injured campers were flown by helicopter to hospital.
It is estimated there are around 100,000 salt water crocodiles living in tropical northern Australia. They are believed to have killed more than a dozen people in the last 20 years.
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