The tourist who appeared in a viral video of a lion biting a man at a South African nature resort has been hospitalised with septic shock, according to local media.

Key points: A spokesperson for the nature lodge said the man ignored warning signs around the enclosure

A spokesperson for the nature lodge said the man ignored warning signs around the enclosure Footage of the attack was posted to Twitter, where it was viewed more than 285,000 times

Footage of the attack was posted to Twitter, where it was viewed more than 285,000 times The man is reportedly suffering from septic shock and is being treated in hospital

Footage of a man being attacked after reaching through a fence to pet a lion is circulating on social media.

In less than 24 hours, just one version of the video had been viewed more than 285,000 times on Twitter.

The vision shows the lion biting and tugging on the man's arm, with the sounds of panicked screaming in the background.

He managed to free himself from the lion's grip after a short struggle.

According to News24 South Africa, the man was staying at the Tikwe River Lodge near Virginia, South Africa with his wife.

A spokesperson for the resort told UK tabloid The Mirror that the man ignored warnings posted by the park, which denies responsibility for the incident.

"There were signs everywhere," the spokesperson said.

The man was taken to hospital following the attack, where he is reportedly in a serious condition and being treated for severe septic shock.

The ABC has contacted the nature lodge for comment.