On alert for sly saltie
A REGULAR Yorkeys Knob beachgoer is convinced the croc spotted at the weekend remains hidden in the area as wildlife officers sweep the coast for signs of the animal.
The Department of Environment and Science confirmed a sighting had been reported shortly before noon on Sunday.
Wildlife officers had been sent to investigate the croc, which could be targeted for removal if found to be longer than 2m.
“A surf lifesaver saw an estimated 2m animal swimming 30m from the stinger enclosure and reported it to DES,” a spokesman said.
“Recent warning signs have been installed and wildlife officers are monitoring the area.”
The department said beaches are not the usual habitat of estuarine crocodiles and it was believed the animal was moving between river systems when it was spotted.
“Crocodiles are known to use the ocean to move between waterways,” the spokesman said.
Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan Yorkeys Knob is within a Targeted Beach Management Zone (Zone D.)
This means that any croc longer than 2m or any crocodile displaying dangerous behaviour is targeted for removal.
“Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan,” he said.
The spokesman said if traps were set for the croc they would be placed in nearby river systems at Richters and Yorkeys creeks, as luring crocs into beach traps could be difficult.
Woree resident Todd Hartley had reason to suspect the croc may still be lurking in the area after his pet dachshund Cescil displayed some curious behaviour when visiting the beach late Monday afternoon.
“(He) went into the water and went into the hunting alert pose,” he said.
“Something had caught his attention and he walked into the water and made it look like there was something there.
“That crocodile may have been sitting there eyeballing us the whole time.”
Yorkeys Knob is known croc country and people in the area are reminded to always be crocwise.