Latest news with #CommunityRepresentationofCrocodiles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Alarming scene at popular Aussie tourist spot sparks warning: 'Sick to the stomach'
Pictures taken of an adult and child fishing near the edge of an Australian river known to be home to hungry saltwater crocodiles have sparked a debate online. The anonymous duo were snapped at the infamous Cahills Crossing in Kakadu this week, just metres from signs warning tourists that a fatality occurred nearby. The images were shared on a social media page popular with 4WD enthusiasts, where some said the pair looked to be at a 'reasonable distance' from the water's edge. 'Doesn't look that bad,' one person said. However others were more cautious, with one saying the image made him feel 'sick to the stomach' with worry. 'What is wrong with people?' another said. Yahoo spoke to three of Australia's top experts in the predator's behaviour to better understand the dangers involved with navigating crocodile country. Professional crocodile wrangler Tommy Hayes said while it's hard to tell how close the people in the photograph are to the water's edge, it's good the image sparked debate and that people are aware of the extreme danger the reptiles pose. 'I'm glad people are paying attention, and not shrugging it off,' he said. Matt Cornish, the co-founder of Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROC), warned that the biggest danger to humans is 'complacency'. 'Cahills Crossing is considered to be a high-risk crocodile location where people need to be extremely vigilant,' he told Yahoo. 'We have had crocodile fatalities there over the last couple of decades." Because the stretch of river where the photograph was taken is also a popular fishing area, there are increased numbers of interactions between crocodiles and humans. Anyone visiting the area needs to ensure their fish are kept away from the water's edge. Tourists 'absolutely amazed' after witnessing incredible crocodile act Shock over 'insane' act at dangerous Aussie spot despite ongoing threat Tourists watch 'another victim' along famous Aussie road after 4WD warning Mick Bender, a licensed reptile handler and educator at Wildlife Unleashed, explained the recommendation is that people keep five metres back from the water's edge. 'That number is based off the strike range of the largest recorded salt water crocodile which was seven metres. Their strike range is half of their body length — that's tip of their nose to the base of their tail — and they can do that in the blink of an eye,' he told Yahoo News. 'So you're looking at a three and a half metre strike range right there. We obviously don't know how big crocs are, so you give yourself that little bit extra.' Crocodiles are so fast-moving that humans are unable to respond fast enough to move out of the way. Children are at more of a risk because smaller crocodiles will attack them. Mick warns that travellers also need to be mindful that crocodiles can launch themselves up in the air, towards anyone standing on a bank. This behaviour is often on display during boat trips, when tour guides tempt crocodiles high out of the water using meat attached to a stick. 'In the wild, crocodiles will use that to grab birds or bats flying over the river, that's how fast they are,' he said. 'People don't realise that there's no warning from a crocodile. It's not like you're going to see it coming. They're an ambush attack predator. They rely on being completely hidden and unseen.' Tommy believes that influencers who work with crocodiles have an important role to play in setting a good example for tourists. 'It's hard when you're battling d**kheads who say don't go near the water and then film themselves jumping in. You've got to lead by example,' he said. 'People see these Aussie larrikins doing it, and they go, 'he did it, so I will too'.' Tommy has a three-year-old son, who he's educated about the importance of staying away from the water. And he hopes the general public are now getting the message too. 'He's more croc-wise than I am. When we go fishing we're a minimum five metres back,' he said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Aussie fisherman searches for three-metre crocodile after 'half-done' spear attack
Disturbing video has captured the result of a 'brutal attack' on a three-metre saltwater crocodile that left it with a broken spear protruding from its head. Queensland authorities confirmed on Friday they're investigating the incident which they say has likely left the animal in 'extreme pain'. The fisherman who filmed the animal told Yahoo News the sight was 'very distressing'. He'd been exploring remote coastline at Cape Tribulation in early February when he made the discovery. 'I'm all for hunting things. But I don't agree with a half-done job. This was clearly an attack,' he said. It's one of a string of incidents involving attacks on crocodiles in the area, including the beheading of a large male at nearby Cow Bay in 2023. While they have not been officially linked, locals with knowledge of the area who requested anonymity believe they know who is responsible. Community Representation of Crocodiles has worked with Crime Stoppers to raise funds and provide rewards for crimes against wildlife in Queensland. 'We want to remind the public that these acts of cruelty are serious wildlife crimes, and those responsible should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to educate the community that there's no tolerance,' spokesperson Dan Kemp told Yahoo. Simon Booth from Queensland's Department of Environment (DETSI) confirmed the incident is being investigated. 'If not captured and assessed, it will most likely die a slow and agonising death,' he said. Saltwater crocodiles in Queensland are threatened with extinction due to widespread hunting in the 1970s and their numbers are yet to recover. They are protected across the state and those caught harming them face fines of up to $36,292. 'We are disgusted by this shocking incident, and it is disheartening to know that people can be so cruel,' Booth said. 😳 Satellite photos reveal 'disturbing' change to iconic Aussie landscape 🐟 Farmed salmon called into question - so is it safe to eat? 🚨 Call for answers after poison found buried in rare predator's habitat The fisherman who filmed the video says as large predators, crocodiles have played an important role in stopping development across the region's coastline. 'I see crocodiles as keeping the whole area safe. They deserve our respect. If they weren't here there'd be skyscrapers built across Far North Queensland,' he said. 'Crocodiles keep it raw, and protect its natural beauty.' Since he first spotted the crocodile with the 15cm spear in its head on February 10, he's been searching for it without any luck. "I've been back down there multiple times and I'm not sure where it is now," he said. Anyone with information about the attack on the crocodile is urged to contact DETSI on 1300 130 372. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
