Watch: Video of possible ‘jumping’ crocodile at Coonarr Beach

The public has been warned to be vigilant near the water after video emerged and five members of the public reported seeing a crocodile almost ‘jumping’ into the waves at Coonarr Beach near Bundaberg. Watch the video:

Multiple crocodile sightings have been reported on the beach and in the water at Coonarr Beach and the Elliott River mouth in the Bundaberg region.

Investigations are now underway after the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation received five reports from community members on January 23, 2025, of what they believed to be a crocodile.

Wildlife officers are also reviewing a short video showing a crocodile entering the water from a beach.

It comes after a possible crocodile sighting in the Burnett River in November 2024.

Wildlife officer Alexander Peters said officers were contacting community members who reported the sighting, and crocodile sighting signs would be installed in the area.

“We thank the members of the public who made these reports, and I can assure the community that they will be thoroughly investigated,” Mr Peters said.

“As part of our investigation, wildlife officers will conduct site assessments, including vessel-based searches and spotlight assessments of the area.

“While the investigation is underway, people in the Wide Bay region should be vigilant around the water, which means keeping children close and keeping dogs away from the water’s edge.

A possible crocodile sighting has been reported in the Bundaberg region. (File photo).

“I’d like to encourage everyone in the community to make a sighting report if they see what they believe to be a crocodile.

“When crocodiles are observed on a beach or in the ocean, they are often passing through from one estuary to another and can be difficult to locate.

“They can also move into a river or creek, and that’s why sighting reports are important as they give wildlife officers the most up to date information about the location and behaviour of crocodiles.

“Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the Wide Bay region is Zone F – atypical crocodile habitat, in which any crocodile found is targeted for removal.

“Crocodile sightings are rare in Zone F, but occasionally crocodiles considered to be vagrant animals make their way into these areas.

“I can reassure the community that any crocodile confirmed to be present in the Wide Bay region will be targeted for removal from the wild.”