The surge in crocodile numbers in the north is resulting in increasing numbers being ‘bullied’ into heading further south in search of safe haven.
The NT News reports that, since January 1 last year, 21 crocodile sightings have been reported well south of accepted crocodile territory at Gladstone’s Boyne River. Two of the four crocodiles of concern currently targeted for removal in Queensland have taken up residence in the Mary River, more than 300 kilometres south of that border and well inland from the river mouth at the Great Sandy Straits near Fraser Island.
It is no secret that the number of crocodile ‘incidents’ across the north has been on the rise as grey nomads and others venture into ‘their territory’ and the saltie population grows.
Just last week, a 3.7-metre saltwater crocodile was caught in a trap in Katherine Gorge in the Northern Territory’s Nitmiluk National Park. It was the sixth saltwater crocodile caught in the first gorge of the 13-gorge system since 2009.
The Top End has been experiencing heavy rainfall over a substantial wet season, which has caused river levels to rise considerably. Crocodiles can inhabit any waterway, including freshwater systems, billabongs, and lowland areas that are prone to flooding.
Some experts believe that crocodiles will continue to be found further south, particularly as the water temperature rises
Darwin-based crocodile expert, Adam Britton, told the NT News that while it has been known for some time that crocodiles could swim for hundreds of kilometres at a time when forced from their territories, those who ventured south were previously more likely to die or return north after finding the water was too cold for breeding.
He said warmer temperatures in southern waterways could now provide the right environment for ‘low density’ crocodile populations to exist ‘quite happily’. And, he said, the risk to humans was far greater if they weren’t aware of the potential threat in the first place.
· What is the furthest south you have seen a croc? Comment below.
Sadly we consider our retirement a chance to travel and see things we could not do earlier , but in doing so more people are impeding on places that were no go zones , now with off rd vans 4wd’s being so available we go to these places then complain about the things that you go there to see , And some people with no experience do silly things that put not only them selves in danger but the very creatures they put on their bucket lists to see , We are a greedy lot us humans in our quest for a perfect selfie or a big barra we put our selves in precarious situations and then complain , ,This is experience talking not a greenie ,We see it so often that you wonder when the next accident will happen not if . The thrill of seeing these creatures in the wild is a wonderful experience do it safely , You cannot go from living in a city in a climate where there are no crocs and not listen and follow the common sense rules , .