An estimated three metre crocodile has been confirmed in the Rollingstone Creek swimming hole north of Townsville.
It was first spotted after a member of the public had been swimming on a floatation device and taking underwater photographs.
When she returned home and reviewed the photos on Saturday, she saw what she thought was a crocodile and submitted the images to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI).
Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby says this person, and anyone else who was swimming in that section of the river at the weekend can consider themselves very lucky.
“The belief some people have that they are safe in Croc Country if they swim in the freshwater section of our rivers and creeks is misguided.
“Crocodiles are highly mobile, and they travel upstream in our rivers and creeks to source freshwater and feed on animals that come down to the banks to drink.
“You never know what is lurking in waterways, and people really need to make sensible choices when they’re near the water in Croc Country.
“Wildlife officers have conducted a land-based site assessment using a drone and did not find any evidence of the animal being present.
“Recent crocodile sighting warning signs have been installed at the location, and wildlife officers are planning on conducting a nighttime spotlight assessment.
“People are responsible for their own safety and should always practice CrocWise behaviour in the Townsville region.”
Mr Frisby says the freshwater section of Rollingstone Creek where the crocodile was sighted is classed as Zone E.
“Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, Rollingstone Creek is classed as Zone E, which is a General Management Zone.
“This means that crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal from the wild.”
DESI encourages anyone who spots a crocodile to report the sighting as soon as possible.
This can be done by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DESI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
