Beware the beast that lurks beneath
A giant crocodile had his sights set on Northern Australia tour guide and adventurer David McMahon, who used the sighting as a social media opportunity to advise people to stay croc wise in croc country.
“This water is crystal clear and very shallow, so I have the opportunity to see him,” he said.
“If this was a steeper river bank and muddy water, it would be all over before I knew what was going on.
“While I am crouched down like this I am potential prey, but I stand up and I go from potential prey to potential threat, and his behaviour instantly changes,” Mr McMahon said.
“It always pays to be really, really careful in croc country, stay back from the water, and don’t mess around with the big boys.”
There have been three reported crocodile attacks in the Far North this year, including the fatal attack on 65-year-old Laura publican Kevin Darmody at North Kennedy River in Lakefield National Park on April 29.
Lakefield National Park is one of six crocodile conservation areas in the state.
A man was attacked while spearfishing near the Bloomfield River boat ramp on February 22.
In April, Manfred Van Eckeren, 65, was asleep at Newell Beach near Port Douglas when he said he was bitten on the feet by a crocodile
He took himself to hospital for treatment of puncture wounds on both feet. However, the Department of Environment and Science has not listed the incident as a croc attack with a spokesman saying there was no evidence the man was bitten by a crocodile.
In May 2021, the department captured a 4.5m crocodile at Newell
Beach. It recommends reporting crocodile sightings using the QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372 (Option).
Its advice includes staying at least 5m from the water’s edge, being extra cautious at night, dusk and dawn when crocodiles are most active and not using small craft in crocodile habitat areas.