A teenage boy has survived after being bitten by a saltwater crocodile in the Ord River in Western Australia’s Kimberley district.
The youngster was attacked by the saltie, believed to be up to two metres long, while he was in waist deep water at Ivanhoe Crossing near Kununurra. The boy was taken to hospital for treatment but his injuries are not life threatening.
Ivanhoe Crossing is a favourite spot for grey nomads to fish for barramundi and to have their vehicles’ photos taken as they traverse the spectacular causeway.
The Department of Environment and Conservation has reminded all visitors of the need to heed warning signs around Kimberley waterways.
“There are warning signs around Ivanhoe Crossing that advise of the dangers that crocodiles pose in the area,” DEC district wildlife officer Len Terry told the ABC. “If people choose to swim or fish in the Ord River, they are doing so at their own risk.”
The Department says saltwater crocodiles live in coastal rivers and swamps and extend well inland along major rivers, floodplain billabongs and into freshwater rivers, creeks and swamps. They also occur in the open sea and around islands.
Have you visited Ivanhoe Crossing? Were you tempted to take a dip? What’s the craziest croc risk you’ve ever seen someone take? Email us here with your views on this story.
