A vet at Shoshanna Zoo in Taiwan made a potentially fatal error recently, reaching toward a crocodile he assumed was anesthetised.

The crocodile reacted by snapping violently, tearing the man’s arm from his body in the process. Amazingly, doctors were able to reattach the arm after reclaiming it from the beast.

The 440-pound carnivore had to be shot twice to persuade him to release the arm, although apparently he was not harmed due to his leathery hide.

It is hard to believe this animal had been previously kept as a pet. Like many crocodiles in illegal captivity, he had been rescued by animal welfare workers.

The victim is said to be making a full recovery, but will not be attempting to high-five any murderous reptiles in the foreseeable future.