Grey nomads and other travellers are being warned to remain ever-vigilant for crocodiles as another of the giant reptiles was removed from a popular tourist spot.
The saltie was trapped by rangers at Butterfly Gorge, about 2.5 hours south of Darwin.
In a Facebook post, Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service said its Crocodile Management team recently removed a 1.72m female saltwater crocodile from the area.
“Always remember that crocs are the perfect ambush predator, and other crocodiles may move around and into the area unnoticed,” it said.
While no swimming is allowed at Butterfly Gorge Nature Park, the Wildlife Service said it was a timely reminder that all the waterways in the Douglas River area, including Butterfly Gorge, are saltwater crocodile habitat.
This giant croc was trapped and removed from Wangi Falls in LItchfield National Park early last year. PIC: NT Parks and Wildlife
Crocodiles are removed from popular tourist spots in the NT on a semi-regular basis. Early last year, for example, a huge saltie was trapped and removed from Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park.
“Be Crocwise and stay safe when you visit,” it said. “Observe Park safety signs, stay five metres back from the water’s edge and do not swim in 
any waterway while you are exploring the park.”
The NT News reports that Butterfly Gorge used to be a popular swimming spot, but was closed last year after the risk of crocodiles inhabiting the area was deemed too high.
The Parks department at the time said the main pool would remain permanently closed, and a walking track to an elevated pool would be developed to improve visitor safety.
The NT News reports that, last year, a 3.65-metre crocodile was removed from the gorge, and a two-metre saltie evaded rangers for weeks the year before.
Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service, says the park – which receives about 1500-2000 visitors a year – is a place of true tranquility.
“With scenic lookouts, wildlife watching, 4WD tracks and hiking there’s something for everyone,” it said. “And, while strenuous, the climb to the top pools is absolutely worth it!”
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Start culling now…
Agreed.
Yes time for a cull again, used to swim safely at Butterfly gorge, and a lot of other places in NT that are now not safe
The only water we swim in up north is located in Caravan parks!
I think it is about time to start a culling program. It was a good idea to ban it when the numbers were showing that they were endangered, however they are starting to encroach into area not seen for decades.
Just relocate them.