More crocs spotted in Port Douglas this year

Tropical Wildlife

Shaun Hollis

Journalist

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More crocodiles have been reported in the Port Douglas area this year compared to 2023. Picture: DETSI

There have been at least 42 reported crocodile sightings in the Port Douglas area so far this year, up from 34 in 2023.

Crocodiles have been seen basking on suburban streets, swimming at Four Mile Beach, and sunning themselves on golf courses and near local lagoons, according to the State Government Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Department (DETSI) official figures. 

At least two crocs have been removed from the region in the past two years to help protect the safety of residents.

The exclusive figures have been released by DETSI in an effort to remind people to stay vigilant about the presence of crocodiles and always stay “Crocwise”.

There have been multiple reports this year from Warri Park Wetland, the lagoon on the right as you enter Port Douglas, including a 2.5m-3m animal basking on the lawn near the walking trail.

In May last year a member of the public reported that a “large crocodile charged out of the lake and headed for his dog on a lead.”

In October of that year a smaller croc was spotted “near the footpath that schoolkids use every day”.

And, in October this year, a 2m croc was spotted sunbaking next to a suburban footpath and drain in Craiglie.

“It jumped when I screamed and disappeared with a loud splash,” the report stated.

There were also three reports of crocs spotted near Willy Pye Memorial Park in Craiglie, including a 2.5m beast “sunning itself in the long grass” in August.

In February a 1.5m croc was run over by a car and killed on the Captain Cook Highway north of Oak Beach, while in October a 4m croc was spotted in the water underneath a catamaran near Dickson Inlet.

There have been 13 sightings of crocodiles at Four Mile Beach this year, as well as four reports of crocs near the Killaloe barramundi farm.

In September, a medium-sized croc was reported floating belly up on the beach with a fatal wound to its head.

Last month an injured croc was found on the beach near Craiglie and reportedly taken to the Port Douglas Wildlife Rescue centre for treatment.

Multiple sightings have also been made along Mowbray River, including near Diggers Bridge in a “location that is used for wedding photography”.

In May last year a croc was spotted swimming up the river near an illegal backpacker campsite on the bank.

There have also been reports of people leaving fish frames and litter in the area, as well as throwing rocks near crocodiles - practices which DETSI warns are dangerous because they attract them to areas where people congregate.

Far North Queensland readers should stay regularly updated about remaining Crocwise and staying aware of the laws around attracting crocodiles, the department warns.

The State Government has also brought in a range of new laws and increased fines for existing offences likely to attract crocodiles to areas where people go. 

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