Costa Rican man's best pal is a deadly 17ft crocodile!

London, August 17 (ANI): A daredevil fisherman loves to splash water with his best pal who just happens to be a deadly 17ft crocodile named Pocho.

Costa Rican Chito leaves onlookers gasping by getting chest-deep into the water, then whistling for his 980lb buddy and giving him an affectionate hug.

"Pocho is my best friend. This is a very dangerous routine but we have a good relationship. He will look me in the eye and not attack me," The Sun quoted Chito as saying.

"It is too dangerous for anyone else to come in the water. It is only ever the two of us," he added.

The 52-year-old found the croc close to death on the banks of Parismina river 20 years ago with a gunshot wound.

The eager conservationist, real name Gilberto Shedden, nursed the reptile back to health and the pair ended up bonding together. The two were said to have now become a major tourist attraction.

Chito said: "After a decade I started to work with him. At first it was slow, slow. I played with him a bit, slowly doing more. Then I found out that when I called his name he would come over to me."

He added: "He's my friend, I don't want to treat him like a slave or exploit him. I am happy because I rescued him and he is happy with me because he has everything he needs." (ANI)