CANCUN, Mexico (AFP) - A crocodile bit two fingers off a US tourist's hand after the man apparently pretended to give food to the predator on a golf course in the Mexican resort of Cancun, authorities said on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old golfer was in stable condition in a Cancun hospital following Tuesday's attack, said civil protection chief Felix Diaz Villalobos.

Medics recovered one of the tourist's fingers in the hope of reattaching it, he said.

The victim was attacked after he ignored signs about the presence of crocodiles, Mr Diaz said. "These animals are generally very peaceful," he added.