BIOLOGIST TRYING TO CAPTURE AN ALLIGATOR ALMOST LOSES HIS LIFE

The scientist attempts to straddle the reptile's head after throwing a towel over its eyes but the crocodile spins around snapping at the man and briefly latching on to his right arm. The scientist then falls over and kicks out at the crocodile before managing to scramble away safely. The highway was closed while police and wildlife authorities assessed the situation. Biologist Robert Norville was at the scene with North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission to help move the reptile.

"We had to coax him, get him to move somewhere flat where we could have the advantage," Mr Norville said. "We were able to tie him up, secure his jaw closed. From there, it all went well." The alligator was relocated to a swamp outside Carteret County. The scientist's employer Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium said he was recovering after being treated for his injuries at hospital.