While our state is home to stretches of unrivalled coastline, it’s also home to a number of unique and potentially dangerous marine creatures, including crocodiles. Crocodiles are a natural part of North Queensland’s aquatic environment and, while attacks on humans are rare, they can and do occur.
Lifesavers or lifeguards will close a beach for at least four hours following a crocodile sighting. If this does occur it’s important you stay out of the water.
SLSQ encourages anyone who spots a crocodile in Queensland to immediately report it to CrocWatch on 1300 130 372.
By reporting any and all crocodile sightings, you’ll be helping to identify crocodile movements and patterns across North Queensland. This information is vital when it comes to developing effective crocodile management and safety strategies moving forward.
Saltwater (or estuarine) crocodiles have short limbs and a heavy muscular body covered with rough scales. They grow all their lives and an adult male can grow up to 5.5 metres. Crocodiles can hold their breath underwater for more than an hour, keeping very still waiting for prey. But don’t be fooled —crocodiles can swim up to 32 kilometers per hour, powered by their long powerful tail. They can also run short distances on land as fast as 17.6 kilometers per hour and can certainly catch you! Crocodiles also store fat in their tails, so they can survive for up to two years without eating if necessary.
Their big teeth! Crocodiles are carnivores and eat whatever they can catch in the water or along the banks including fish, turtles, frogs, birds and pigs. Crocodiles don’t chew their food, they either tear off large pieces or swallow their prey whole. Some species can eat up to half their body weight in one meal. As you can imagine, if a crocodile bites a person it results in massive damage and severe bleeding.
Always obey crocodile warning signs and never enter the water where crocodiles might live, even if there is no warning sign. Always stand a few metres back from the waters edge and stay well away from slide marks on the bank. Never dangle your arms and legs over the side of a boat. If you see a crocodile (even a small one), don’t go near it, annoy it, touch it, poke it or feed it, you might become a crocodile snack.
Always obey crocodile warning signs and never enter the water where crocodiles might live, even if there is no warning sign. Always stand a few metres back from the waters edge and stay well away from slide marks on the bank. Never dangle your arms and legs over the side of a boat. If you see a crocodile (even a small one), don’t go near it, annoy it, touch it, poke it or feed it, you might become a crocodile snack.