Bum shot

An American hiker has accidentally shot himself in the bum.

The mishap occurred when 52-year-old Darrel Erlam put his 40-calibre weapon in his back pocket for safekeeping.

He thought the gun would be more comfortable there than in its holster as he trekked through Washington's Snohomish County.

However, his good intentions went horribly wrong when a bullet was accidentally fired down his left buttock and leg, before coming to rest just above his knee.

Darrel was treated for his injuries at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee and has since been released.