Fisherman Survives Crocodile Attack Using His Dog as Weapon

A fisherman in Australia narrowly escaped a harrowing crocodile attack by using his dog to fend off the predator. On that fateful day in 2011, Todd Bairstow faced a life-threatening ordeal when an approximately 11-foot saltwater crocodile clamped down on his leg while he was fishing near Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula.

While setting up for an evening of fishing, Todd stepped away from his vehicle and suddenly felt a jolt. “Something’s grabbed me on my left leg from behind,” he recalled in an interview. Initially mistaking the sensation for a prank, he quickly realized he was in a serious situation as he looked down to see the crocodile’s jaws gripping him.

For over half an hour, Todd struggled against the crocodile as it executed a series of death rolls, a tactic often used by crocodiles to incapacitate their prey. Desperately trying to escape, he attempted to gouge the animal’s eyes and pull its jaws apart. The struggle intensified as the crocodile inflicted severe injuries. Todd described how the first bite on his leg was followed by a forceful roll that dislocated his left leg.

Despite the chaos, Todd’s dog witnessed the attack and began barking furiously at the crocodile. Seizing the moment, Todd grabbed his dog and began striking the reptile on the head. “I thought maybe he might let go of me and take him,” he explained, illustrating the desperation of his fight for survival.

As the crocodile continued its assault, Todd’s situation worsened. His right leg was crushed, and one of his fingers was severed. “That’s when I really thought, ‘F*** I’m going to die here,’” he said, recalling the grim moment. He began shouting for help, yelling, “Help! Croc! Help! Croc!”

Fortunately, his cries for assistance were heard by a woman leaving the nearby Albatross Pub. She spotted the struggle and rushed to his aid. Shortly thereafter, Todd’s friend, Kevin Beven, arrived at the scene. Upon hearing Todd’s urgent call, Kevin quickly assessed the situation and asked, “Where’s the croc?” Todd’s response was clear, “It’s on my f***ing legs!”

With the crocodile still latched onto Todd, Kevin found a stick and began hitting the animal on the head. Eventually, the crocodile released its grip, allowing Todd to escape its jaws. Kevin helped Todd up the bank to safety before he was airlifted to Cairns Base Hospital for emergency treatment.

In the aftermath, Todd underwent multiple surgeries to address the serious injuries inflicted by the crocodile. Weeks later, authorities captured the crocodile identified as the one responsible for the attack, bringing closure to a terrifying experience.

This encounter serves as a reminder of the dangers present in natural habitats, highlighting the resilience and quick thinking of those like Todd Bairstow who face life-threatening situations with remarkable courage.