A teenager who is lucky to still have his arm after being mauled by a crocodile in far north Queensland, was dared to jump into the predator infested river.
Lee de Paauw was attacked in the Johnstone River just before 2.30am on Sunday after leaping from the esplanade wharf in the heart of Innisfail.
It was initially reported the 18-year-old had lost his arm to the crocodile but Queensland paramedic Neil Noble said it was still attached but very badly mauled.
"Hopefully surgeons can help him and restore full use of his arm," he said.
Mr Noble said it was believed Mr de Paauw jumped in the river in response to a dare and had to be rescued by friends.
"Reports from the scene are he was dared to jump into the water, which he did and unfortunately that area is well known for its crocodile population," he said.
"We're just very grateful that he's survived this incident because it could have turned out to be quite fatal.
"Certainly to get out the water was absolutely vital in case that crocodile was able to get a good grip on him and do the death roll and then drown him."
Brenton Gangemi, owner of local wildlife cruises Snapping Tours, said he believed the culprit croc was a three-and-a-half to four metre male saltwater crocodile that had been frequenting the area recently.
Mr Gangemi said the man could also have been attacked by a bull shark as they were common in the river.
Saltwater crocodiles are one of Australia's most dangerous land animals and have been responsible for eight confirmed fatal attacks in Queensland since 1985.
In May 2016 New Zealand-born photographer Cindy Waldron died after she was dragged under water by a 4.3m saltwater crocodile while walking with a friend at Thornton Beach, north of Cairns.
