A fisherman at Douglas Hot Springs south of Darwin believes he saw a 1.5-metre saltwater crocodile in the supposedly safe swimming area.
The angler initially thought his line was snagged but says he pulled up a crocodile. He told the ANC that, as its snout rose to the surface, he immediately recognised it to be a saltwater crocodile before it snapped the line and disappeared.
Tommy Nichols, a senior ranger for crocodile management with the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission, said a team would begin patrolling the area, which is about 160 kilometres from Darwin.
However, he told the ABC it was yet to be confirmed that the animal was a saltwater crocodile, adding that it could have been a member of the less-dangerous freshwater species.
No saltwater crocodiles have previously been spotted at the hot springs, although one was seen eight kilometres downstream.
The camping area at Douglas Hot Spring is very popular with grey nomads and other campers.
A crocodile management plan for the area says there is a moderate potential for a crocodile to enter the area. A permanent trap has been put at that location as a precaution.
Last month, a 2.1m freshwater crocodile bit a tourist at the popular Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park and the falls were closed while the animal was captured.
The man’s injuries were not serious.
Thanks for the crock story I love those big crocks and like to hear about them.