Crocodile spotted in suburban Idalia lake

RESIDENTS of Idalia are on croc watch after a reptile was reportedly seen swimming through a man-made suburban lake on Sunday afternoon.

Shadow Minister for Tourism, Anthony Albanese, visits Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove and feeds a saltwater crocodile with Senator Nova Peris.

Idalia residents are on alert after a croc was seen swimming through a man-made suburban lake on Sunday afternoon.

The unusual sighting follows the reappearance of a 4m saltie at the Townsville marina on Saturday night (pictured).

The sighting at Idalia’s Northview Lake was reported to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, but the animal’s size and whether it was a fresh or saltwater reptile is not known.

A spotlight survey was conducted by wildlife officers on Sunday evening but no evidence of a crocodile was observed, an EHP spokesman said.

“Crocodiles can be mobile animals and it’s important to realise that not seeing evidence of a crocodile does not necessarily mean a specific area is crocodile-free, particularly in known croc country,” the spokesman said.

Wildlife officers erected crocodile sighting warning signs at the lake and will continue investigations if more sightings are reported.

“Residents in this location should be aware that a crocodile sighting report has been made for this area and take appropriate steps to ensure they behave in a croc-wise manner,” the spokesman said. “They should also report any further sightings as soon as possible.”

The spokesman confirmed the reported sighting of a crocodile at the Townsville marina.

“Wildlife officers conducted land and vessel-based surveys of the marina and The Strand foreshore, however no evidence of a crocodile was observed,” he said.

EHP could not confirm if the reptile was the same animal spotted at Pallarenda and around the Bohle River earlier this month.

Deputy Mayor Cr Vern Veitch said he was concerned the ongoing reports of crocodile sightings involved waterways close to residential areas.

“Crocs and people don’t mix,” Cr Veitch said.

“There certainly is a need for EHP to get to the bottom of the reports as quickly as possible and they are out there at both locations. It’s also important for people to avoid those areas until such times as the EHP has completed their investigations.”

Crocodile sightings can be reported to EHP on 1300 130 372.

Originally published as Crocodile spotted in suburban Idalia lake