Crocodile egg collector mutilated by a reptile while on the job and is in "critical" condition

The 29-year-old was attacked by a giant crocodile while collecting eggs along the Daly River, south of Darwin, in Australia, suffering from serious leg injuries and is now in critical condition

Northern Territory Police said the man's injuries were not considered life-threatening and he was undergoing emergency surgery - stock image (

Image: Getty Images)

An egg picker was rushed to hospital after being mauled while working.

The man was attacked by a crocodile while collecting eggs along the Daly River, south of Darwin, Australia, and suffered serious leg injuries.

While the 29-year-old managed to free himself from the jaws of the reptile, he was transported by private helicopter out of the remote area.

He was then transported to the Royal Darwin Hospital in an ambulance.

Northern Territory Police originally said the man's injuries were not considered life-threatening and that he was undergoing emergency surgery.

However, a spokesperson for Northern Territory Heath said the man's condition had worsened and he was described as "in critical condition".

Collectors can earn $30 per egg, or $1,800 for a single nest of up to 60 eggs (

Picture:

Getty Images)

The man is currently being treated at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, where he is described as being in "serious but stable" condition.

The man is believed to have been employed as an egg harvester, reports the

Egg collection was made legal in 2018 under a Commercial Wildlife Harvest Permit with strict requirements.