A GoPro camera reportedly saved a man's life from an alligator attack in Florida.

Jeff Heim said the reptile bit him in the head while he was exploring the Mayacca River in 2021 looking for shark teeth to add to his collection. daily mail report.

“I don't think I felt the full force of that bite yet,” Heim said. “If I had done that, my head would have exploded.”

Heim said he believes a GoPro camera attached to his head captured the incident and protected him from further damage by the crocodile, the report said. Mr. Haim writhed at his first bite, but he regained his composure to slowly back away from the reptile as it went for the next bite.

“I stayed calm because you never want someone to hit you, jump you, or act like prey,” Heim said.

Heim was taken to a hospital after seeking help at a local restaurant, the paper said. Paramedics put 34 staples into his head, but said his head had been “ripped off” and “flopped around and was hanging here,” according to the Daily Mail. He was also reportedly treated for a hand bite and severe stab wounds. (Related: Woman reportedly finds 14-foot alligator with carcass in mouth)

One paramedic warned Haim that people at the hospital would stare at him because of the severity of his injuries, the newspaper said. Heim said he was “in a loop” and “a little more at ease” after the attack, recalling that he tried to find humor in the situation.

Wildlife officials reportedly captured the alligator, which was 6 feet 4 inches long, but would have been much larger had part of its tail not been missing. Another alligator, about 13 feet long, tried to kill the reptilian attacker, Heim said.