The sighting of a saltwater crocodile has forced the closure of a popular Northern Territory swimming hole while rangers work to remove it.
The 2.5 metre croc was spotted in the management zone at Bitter Springs in Elsey National Park, south of Katherine near Mataranka.
The area’s naturally warm waters make it popular spot with grey nomads, and other travellers … particularly at this time of the year.
Rangers will reportedly undertake night surveys to confirm no other crocodiles are in the area before reopening the site.
The nearby thermal pool off Homestead Road though remains open for swimming.
Grey nomads need to be croc aware in the north. PIC: Pexels
NT Parks and Wildlife’s acting executive director Neva McCartney acknowledged the crocodile sighting was “disruptive during a busy school holiday period”.
She told the NT News that swimming holes were ‘part of a natural ecosystem where saltwater crocodiles can live’, and urged visitors to be ‘croc-wise’.
Ms McCartney said many of Top End waterways were also home to freshwater crocodiles, and they should also be treated with caution.
“They might be smaller and appear less threatening and dangerous than saltwater crocodiles, but if provoked they can still inflict a serious bite,” she said. “All crocodiles are wild and should not be approached regardless of their size.”
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I continue to be amazed how far inland salties are found. It virtually closes out all of the Top End of NT for swimming. I expect them in the wet season but not in the dry when I thought they would stick to the estuaries.
With all the restrictions, permits, no entry in the NT..including the over populated croc population most places are just a memory in past photographs now..
I’m glad I saw and experienced all the places and natural wonders in the ’70’s ’80’s and ’90s..
Australians are very restricted in where they go and see now…and the places you can get to are vastly overcrowded.
I feel a bit sorry for the younger generation who are barred by a minority and people in offices on huge salaries putting a red line on paper and restricting our freedom to wander and enjoy OUR country.
I agree with you Pat, which is why, I have banned that minority, from our family property, to access the rock paintings on OUR land. I had originally authorized access subject to conditions, and I withdrew their access for the same reasons they withdrew ours from around the country.
Hey Pat, You recon there are restrictions now – just wait if the YES vote is successful!!
Arrived at Bitter Springs for 4 days of swimming to the news of its closure. The campground is even better this year and Mataranka swimming still ok even with the crowds.
travelled to Litchfield today to the news of another croc at Wangi Falls! Really!,
Yes have swan there, but had my guard up the whole time…….. didn’t stay in long
We’ve swam in many locations in the NT, always in a resort swimming pool.