An elderly couple has been attacked in Australia by a goanna (a large lizard), as they tried to stop it from savaging their dog.
Officials say the man, in his 70s, was said to have sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to hospital after the incident in north‑eastern Queensland.
The woman, in her 60s, was also taken to hospital with an injury to her foot.
The couple's dog, a long‑haired Jack Russell cross, was seriously injured.
Goannas can grow up to 2 metres in length, though most varieties are under 1m, and rarely attack humans.
The rescue service described the attack which took place in Flametree near Airlie Beach, as "a horrific and freak ordeal".
[Source:BBC]
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