Croc attack sparks call for signage
DAINTREE residents are calling for better signage to warn visitors about crocodiles after a small croc attacked a tourist at Cape Tribulation.
The 24- year- old tourist, understood to be British, received a bite mark to her upper left leg after encountering the 2- 2.5m croc while walking near the ankle- deep creek at Cape Tribulation beach about 6pm on Monday.
She was transported Mossman Hospital.
A friend of the woman, who filmed the encounter, shopped their story around to several media organisations yesterday, requesting compensation.
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection wildlife officers have targeted the croc for removal.
Daintree tour operator Jordan Rogers said the small croc was still at Cape Tribulation beach, about 140km north of Cairns, when he visited the site on Monday night.
“It looks like the girl’s walked up a creek with a couple of friends – a shallow creek – and they’ve startled it, and it’s just spun around and given her a nip,” he said.
The incident occurred 18 months after northern New South Wales resident Cindy Waldron was killed by a croc at Thornton Beach.
Mr Rogers said there was a lot of confusion about croc safety among tourists, with some too scared to walk along the beach in daylight, and others swimming in the water, clearly ignoring warning signs.
“The signage is just terrible,” he said.
“You walk past a small sign that’s just yellow and says ‘ attention: crocodiles’. If there to was something much larger, at eye level, that would be much better.”
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu strongly supported calls for improved croc warning signage at Cape Tribulation and other popular tourist spots across the region.
“Public education and awareness about crocodiles is paramount to reducing the risk that crocodiles pose,” she said.
“This includes targeted programs to educate our tourists, who visit the region to see our diverse flora and fauna.
“We need to ensure those who visit and live in our shire not only appreciate its natural beauty, but also are very aware of the possible dangers they face.”