Large crocodile sighted in Mary River

Environment and Heritage Protection Minister, Andrew Powell, today confirmed that wildlife rangers were preparing to capture a large crocodile seen in the Mary River near Maryborough.

“The 3.5 metre saltwater crocodile was reported to the department by a commercial fisherman on Tuesday after being sighted on a mudbank about two kilometres from Beaver Rock boat ramp, opposite Bros Island,” Mr Powell said.

Rangers today confirmed the presence of a large crocodile and have made arrangements for a trap to be set in the Mary River tomorrow morning.

“In line with the crocodile management policy, any crocodile caught south of the Boyne River (near Gladstone) will be targeted for removal and relocated to a crocodile farm or zoo.

“Although there have been a number of anecdotal reports of crocodiles sighted in the Great Sandy Straits and Mary River over recent years, this is the first confirmed sighting.

“I’m advised that the area where the crocodile was seen is well upstream from where anyone would be likely to go swimming, but it would be used by people fishing, catching prawns and pumping worms and yabbies.

“Although this is a rare sighting of a saltwater crocodile this far south, people need to be sensible and stay away from the area.”

The public are advised to follow these safety messages:

• Obey crocodile warning signs.
• Don’t swim in water where crocodiles may be even if there is no warning sign present
• When fishing, always stand a few metres back from the water's edge and never stand on logs or branches overhanging the water.
• Never clean fish or discard fish scraps near the water's edge, around campsites or at boat ramps.
• Stay well back from any crocodile slide marks.
• It is illegal for boats and vehicles to be brought within 10 metres of a saltwater crocodile in the wild.
• Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat. If you fall out of a boat, get out of the water as quickly as possible.
• Never provoke, harass or interfere with crocodiles, even small ones
• Never feed crocodiles - it is illegal and dangerous.
• Camp at least 2m above the high water mark and at least 50m from the water's edge. Avoid places where native animals and domestic stock drink.
• Never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait at your campsite. Always check that previous campers have not left these behind.
• Never prepare food, wash dishes or pursue any other activities near the water's edge or adjacent sloping banks.

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Media contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043