A man is in a stable condition in a Perth hospital after being attacked as he slept in a swag by a “large” saltwater crocodile at a campsite north of Broome on Saturday, officials say.

The attack occurred on a beach in the Kimberly, near the Coulomb Point Nature Reserve at Hidden Creek, about 50km north of Broome, on Saturday.

The victim – a man in his 20’s – was taken to Broome Hospital before being flown by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Perth on Sunday.

It is the second crocodile attack in the Kimberley in less than five months, and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions of Western Australia (DCBA) said it is investigating.

“Parks and Wildlife Service staff have already spoken with a relative of the man who was attacked and intend to discuss the incident further with those involved,” a spokeswoman said.

“Your safety is YOUR responsibility.”

Speaking with the ABC, the man said that he prefers his privacy and wishes to concentrate on recovering.

“While I understand the media interest in my story, I enjoy my privacy and would like to concentrate on recovering and returning to my daily life,” he said in a statement.

Coulomb Point Nature Reserve is a 28,676ha reserve home to saltwater crocs, whose numbers have been steadily increasing, according to local rangers.

Saltwater crocodiles are common along the Kimberley and people are reminded by the DCBA to be CROCWISE at all times.

DBCA ecologist Ben Corey told the ABC that data has shown saltwater crocodile numbers continue to grow by 8 per cent per year on average, and that the public needs to stay vigilant.

If you see a crocodile, immediately report them to the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Broome at (08) 9195 5500 or Kununurra at (08) 9168 4200.