Croc watch will continue on Innisfail croc
31 January 2012
The Department of Environment and Resource Management will continue with a “watching brief” on the Innisfail crocodile even though surveys conducted last night and today (31 January) observed no crocodiles in the area
DERM Director of Wildlife Management Dr Ashley Bunce said the case file on the crocodile would be kept open and if further sightings were reported they would be investigated immediately.
A vessel-based survey last night covered an area from the Jubilee Bridge to the Bruce Highway, a distance of 2.4 kilometres, but no evidence of any crocodile was seen.
The survey included both sides of the small island between the East Innisfail State School and a nearby caravan park.
The second survey carried out earlier today also observed no crocodiles.
“As this animal was last reported five days ago, with no reported sightings since, it is likely it was just passing through.
“Crocodiles move many kilometres within waterways especially during summer and the wet season.
“They also prefer relatively still backwaters to fast flowing rivers and with the rain currently being received in the north, it’s not at all surprising a croc would be seen at this location.
“We’ve studied photographs taken of the crocodile, which our experts agree seems around 3 metres in length.”
Dr Bunce said DERM rangers had visited the East Innisfail State School and a nearby caravan park yesterday to provide crocodile safety information.
“As this is well known crocodile territory, school and caravan park staff were well aware of the importance of being Crocwise.”
Dr Bunce said any further sightings of the Innisfail crocodile should be reported immediately to DERM on 1300 130 372.
“DERM investigates all crocodile reports it receives and sightings can be reported to the department at any time.”
Dr Bunce said DERM worked with many regional and city councils, including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone, where urban croc management mapping is in place.
“This is a pro-active approach that helps balance the need for community safety with conserving this vital species,” Dr Bunce said.
Information on crocodiles and being Crocwise is available on DERM’s website at www.derm.qld.gov.au.
Last updated 31 January 2012