A 26-year-old man has been attacked by a crocodile while taking a morning swim in far north Queensland.

The man was swimming in Palm Creek near Ingham at Victoria Plantation when the attack occurred.

He suffered puncture wounds to his lower back, upper legs and hand during the terrifying encounter.

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The victim is currently in hospital in a stable condition.

Locals have reported an increase in crocodile sightings in the area recently, with one creature spotted behind homes just days before the attack.

Man in his 20s attacked by crocodile during morning swim in far north Queensland Credit: 7NEWS

Federal MP Bob Katter has used the incident to repeat his call for a crocodile cull in the region.

“That’s really all we’re saying. Can’t we go for a swim? But we can’t now,” Katter said.

“It’s been taken off us by people that live 3000 kilometres away are telling us what we can and can’t do.”

The attack is the latest in a series of crocodile incidents in far north Queensland, where the reptiles are a protected species.