A man who stood on a saltwater crocodile at a popular Kimberley fishing spot last month was reportedly the fourth person to have suffered a croc injury in WA this year.
The ABC reports that the 35-year-old was fishing in waist-deep water at Barred Creek, about 40 kilometres north of Broome, when he was apparently bitten late last month.
He was taken to Broome Hospital for treatment and eventually discharged.
A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) spokesperson told ABC that unconfirmed initial reports described the crocodile as being about three metres long.
“Despite deploying a trap in the creek immediately following the incident, there were no further sightings of the crocodile,” the spokesperson said.
Crocodiles are a fairly common sight in Australia's north. This one is on the bank of Water Park Creek near Queensland's Byfield National Park. PIC: Queensland DES
Barred Creek is a popular spot for fishing, mud crabbing and four-wheel driving.
The ABC reports that the incident was the fourth known time a person had been injured by a crocodile in the Kimberley in six months.
It said previous attacks included a man who was attacked by a large saltie in April while he was sleeping in his swag at a popular camping spot past Coulomb Point Nature Reserve.
The DBCA warns visitors that crocodiles can stay hidden underwater for a long time and will see you before you see them. It says crocodiles can still be around even if there are no warning signs, and cautions that freshwater crocs can also become aggressive and cause serious injury if disturbed.
It says visitors should stay Crocwise and:
# Have you ever beeen given a fright after spotting a croc closer to you than you would have liked? Comment below.
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