Reports of three crocs, possible nest, on Fraser Coast

Drones will be used as rangers investigate a series of reported croc sightings on the Fraser Coast and what would be the first nest south of the reptiles’ traditional territory.

Three crocodile sightings and a possible nest reported in waters off the Fraser Coast in recent weeks are being investigated by the Department of Environment.

The Fraser Coast Chronicle understands the first reported sighting of a crocodile, swimming in open water off River Heads on the evening of December 24, 2021, was for a reptile believed to be up to three metres long.

A further two reported sightings of crocodiles, off Burrum Heads, north of Hervey Bay, were received on December 26, 2021, with the animals “not displaying any concerning behaviour”.

Crocodiles do not typically live in these areas however, they have been known to inhabit the nearby Mary River at Maryborough and have been spotted off Fraser Island.

A 3.8 m crocodile caught in the Mary River at the Mungar reach in 2015.

A crocodile warning sign has long been in place at the River Heads boat ramp which is a popular fishing spot and also the departure point for barges from the mainland near Hervey Bay to Fraser Island.

Boat and drone surveys of the areas where the sightings occurred will be undertaken by wildlife officers this week.

A DES officer patrols Eli Creek, Hervey Bay after a reported crocodile sighting in 2020.

The department also received a report of a potential crocodile nest at Aldershot in the upper reaches of Saltwater Creek (which comes off the Mary River) on January 5, 2022.

“We are not currently aware of any nesting populations of crocodiles south of the Fitzroy River (in the Rockhampton region) and will closely investigate this sighting,” a spokesman from the department said.

“Crocodile nests can pose threats to human safety due to the instinctive nest defence behaviour exhibited by female crocodiles.

“All crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.

“While the Fraser Coast is not considered typical Croc Country (which for the purposes of the department’s crocodile management is north from the Boyne River), it is important people understand how to be “Crocwise” if a crocodile is seen in their locality.”

Senior Wildlife Officer Tina Ball with a croc warning sign at Point Vernon, Hervey Bay, where searches for a crocodile were carried out in 2020.

The most recent sightings have not yet been confirmed as crocodiles.