Man bitten by crocodile, then shot

DARWIN , Australia, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- An Australian man was in stable condition after he was bitten by a crocodile and subsequently shot by a friend who was attempting to help him.

Officials at Royal Darwin Hospital said Jason Green was stable after being bitten on the arm and shot while collecting crocodile eggs Tuesday, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Wednesday.

Zac Fitzgerald attempted to help Green by firing a pistol, but one of the bullets accidentally struck Green in the elbow.

However, Dr. Len Notaras of Royal Darwin Hospital said the poorly-aimed gunshot was probably what allowed Green to free himself from the crocodile's grip.

"There is no doubt in my mind the gun shot actually saved his life," he said.

Notaras said it is not yet clear whether Green's arm will heal fully.