LOCALS FEAR ‘SALTIE’ IN RIVER
A LOCAL boatie and angler is adamant a saltwater crocodile may be lurking in the freshwater reaches of the Ross River after his son took footage of a crocodile swimming in Aplins Weir earlier this week.
Paul Wenta has been living nearby to Aplins Weir for more than 40 years and says his son captured footage of what appears to be a saltwater crocodile swimming upstream of Aplins Weir on Tuesday.
Freshwater crocodiles are a common sight in the Ross River’s three weirs and are considered harmless, but saltwater crocodiles are an entirely different beast and are among the most dangerous and powerful animals on the planet.
“I’ve lived along this river a long time and prior to the floods we would see the freshwater crocodiles everywhere … every 100m or so,” Mr Wenta said.
“But recently we haven’t seen any of them, that’s what rang alarm bells.
“On Facebook I asked my friends if they thought it was a freshie or saltie, and these are people who all do fishing and camping and have seen plenty of crocs. They all say it’s a saltie.”
Mr Wenta said the footage was captured on the Annandale side of Ross River, opposite the pontoon at the end of Thompson Street in Mundingburra.
A spokesman for the Department of Environment and Science said its crocodile experts had reviewed the footage and concluded it was a freshwater crocodile.
“They have seen the footage and it’s certainly a freshwater crocodile,” the spokesman said. “Because of that, there is no need for further action.
“It’s really important for members of the public to alert our department as soon as they can if they make a crocodile sighting.
“They can do this by going to our website or by calling 1300 130 372.”
Mr Wenta said that the behaviour of the crocodile, and its physical characteristics, suggested to him that it was a saltie.
“You’ll see freshies sitting on a branch or something, and when they see you they’re gone,” he said.
“This croc was very cocky. He didn’t care who was around.
“It has a short, stumpy snout, and my son estimated to be close to 3m.
“That river is full of food for a croc. It has plenty of barra and freshwater turtles.”
Mr Wenta said a saltwater croc could “easily” make its way into Aplins Weir, especially after an event like last year’s major floods.
“On the Aitkenvale side it would be very unlikely because of the rocks, but on the Annandale side there’s sand, the grass area and then it’s up there,” he said.
“That entire area was flooded last year. There could be anything in that river.”