Cairns crocodile: Centenary Lake croc still unconfirmed

The fate of a small saltie reported at Saltwater Creek has been revealed, once wildlife officers can find the critter.

A SMALL saltwater crocodile reported at Saltwater Lake, Edge Hill, will be removed if wildlife officers can confirm the presence of the reptile in the waterway.

The crocodile was reportedly seen on April 4, but the Department of Environment and Science (DES) has not ­received further reports since the surprising sighting.

A DES spokesman urged croc spotters to be wary of the potential dangers lurking in the lake.

“Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country,” the spokesman said.

“Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan. Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the area is within zone B (active removal zone),” he said.

“This means that any crocodile confirmed to be present is automatically targeted for removal.”

Interstate visitors strolling through Centenary Lakes were agog that a saltie could be found so close to the Cairns CBD.

“Good grief,” Linda Strelen, from Brisbane, said.

Zara Strelen, 12, and her mother Linda from Brisbane with Sarah Round and John Messfeldt from Melbourne look off the Saltwater Lake footbridge at Centenary Lakes. A sign warning that a crocodile has been spotted in the area has now been affixed to the bridge. Picture: Stewart McLean

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“(My daughter) Sarah asked if there would be a crocodile in there and I thought ‘why wouldn’t there be?’,” Ms Strelen said.

Sarah Round and John Messfeldt from Melbourne gave the water’s edge a wide berth. “There was a chair right by the water and we thought ‘we can’t stay there’,” Ms Round said.

The couple had yet to spy a croc during their time in the Far North.

“I have nightmares about crocs all the time, but I love them all the same,” Mr Messfeldt said.

Residents and visitors had been urged to follow a few steps when in a croc area.

“Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure; camp at least 50m from the edge of the water, never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, a campsite or boat ramp; and always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead,” the DES spokesman said.

The possible croc was the subject of local surprise and speculation when the warning sign was first posted.

“It surprised the hell out of me that there was a dinkum sighting in the saltwater lake,” Cairns North resident Brian Lee said.

“I cross there four or five times per week and have been going there for years. I have never seen a croc.”

The possible sighting follows that of a small croc spied in Palm Cove in late January, when a bystander saw one of the animals swimming near the jetty.

Originally published as Cairns crocodile: Centenary Lake croc still unconfirmed