Wildlife officers have used photos and videos to confirm the presence of an estimated three-metre crocodile in the Rollingstone Creek swimming hole, north of Townsville.
Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby said a member of the public had submitted a QWildlife crocodile sighting report, including a photo, to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) on 2 March 2024.
"The person told us that she had been swimming on a floatation device and taking underwater photographs of the clear water below," he said.
"When she returned home and reviewed the photos, she saw what she thought was a crocodile and did the right thing by submitting a report.
"This person, and anyone else who was swimming in that section of the river at the weekend can consider themselves quite 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 said 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.
People in the greater Townsville area are urged to be CrocWise, which includes:
- Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign
- Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
- Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
- Stay well away from crocodile traps – that includes when fishing and boating
- The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
- Stand back from the water's edge when fishing and don't wade in to retrieve a lure
- Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water
- Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
- Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs
- Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.
