While most grey nomads are now enjoying the southern summer, those still lingering in the north are being warned to be especially vigilant for crocodiles.
While there have been two poor wet seasons, this holiday period has been wetter than normal as monsoonal conditions kick in.
Authorities say that most national parks in the Top End are now closed due to croc safety and flooding concerns.
The NT Parks and Wildlife Commission says it is a ‘very concerning’ time of year as river systems join up. Salties can inhabit freshwater systems, billabongs and low areas subject to flooding.
Ranger Tom Nichols urged the public to remain vigilant.
“Remember that a crocodile will see you before you see them,” he told 9 News.
While there were only about 3,000 crocodiles left in the NT in 1971, numbers have since exploded to 100,000 since they became a protected species.
In the past year, more than 200 saltwater crocodiles have been captured in Northern Territory waterways. They can be anywhere at any time and have even been removed from Darwin Harbour and the northern suburbs, as well as tidal creeks and inlets.
One of the largest removed was a 4.4-metre giant who had been eating cattle at the remote outback Tipperary Station in August.
“Some are crankier than others but he was fairly good,” Mr Nichols, told the media. “We set a trap and it was just a matter of a snout rope, tying him up and we gave him a little bit of drugs to put him on the trailer.”
The record number of crocs removed in the NT was 318 in 2012.
