Crocodile expert demonstrates how to scare away reptiles after stalking in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

A wildlife expert has revealed how he sent a giant crocodile back into the ocean after it started targeting him as prey.

David McMahon was collecting cockles on a remote stretch of coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory on March 17 when he noticed the giant reptile eyeing him from afar in the crystal clear salt water.

The wildlife veteran, who has 10 years’ experience working with some of Australia’s deadliest animals, grabbed his phone to film what happened and explained why he was considered prey.

Mr McMahon then revealed how he managed to turn the tables on the reptile in seconds.

“While I’m crouched like this, I’m potential prey, but in a second here, when I stand up, I go from potential prey to potential threat,” McMahon said in the video.

David McMahon collected cockles while filming a crocodile appraising him as prey (pictured)

Mr McMahon (pictured) has worked with crocodiles both in and out of captivity for over 10 years

Mr McMahon is a naturalist and has worked in both the education and management of captive crocodile birds but said he still respects the dangers they pose.

“If you are not intimidated by crocodiles then something is wrong,” he told the Daily Mail Australia.

“Crocodiles are opportunistic predators and to stay safe you just have to take the opportunity.”

In the video posted online, Mr McMahon showed how quickly the crocodile moved away after asserting its dominance.

While Mr McMahon had the upper hand and was able to spot the crocodile in the shallow and clear waters, he said things would have been very different had he been in a deep or murky river.

“On a muddy river bank it would all be over before I even knew what was going on,” he said.

Mr McMahon said he had had a number of horrific experiences with crocodiles.

‘[One night] I was in a small boat on the Arnhem Land coast with some buddies and we were woken up at 3am by a large crocodile gnawing on the bottom of the boat,” he said.

“We searched the water for the crocodile’s eye shine, but it didn’t come back until an hour later and did it again.

“We managed to hit the crocodile with a spear in its tail before it could sink us, and then it left us for the rest of the sleepless night.”

David McMahon was collecting cockles along a remote stretch of coast of Arnhem Land (pictured) in the Northern Territory when he noticed the apex predator approaching

Mr McMahon (pictured) is a naturalist and has worked in both the education and management of captive crocodiles

Mr. McMahon is a strong proponent of protecting crocodiles in remote areas as they are the most important apex predator in the region and naturally regulate the ecosystem.

In addition to the ecological benefits of preserving the 160-million-year-old species, they also draw crowds of tourists eager to see the national icon.

Mr McMahon uses his expertise to teach others how to behave safely around crocodiles and even directs documentary series and films about his journeys through the bush.

“Whenever you’re in crocodile country, keep your wits about you and stay away from the water,” he said.

Crocs are hard to miss in crystal-clear waters, but they might not be seen in murkier rivers until it’s too late, warned McMahon (pictured Adelaide River of Darwin).