More crocs sighted in the Mary River

AN investigation is under way after two small crocodiles were reportedly seen in the Mary River by a recreational fisher in the Mary River Thursday morning.

File photo. Picture: Mike Knott BUN150316MACCA12

AN investigation is under way after two small crocodiles were reportedly seen in the Mary River by a recreational fisher in the Mary River Thursday morning.

The two crocodiles, thought to be around 40cm long each, were spotted on top of debris drifting with the incoming tide in the middle of the main channel next to Baddow Island, near Maryborough.

The animals disappeared into the water when they were approached.

The sighting has sparked an investigation by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection at the section of the Mary River between the Bruce Hwy bridge and Lamington Bridge at Maryborough.

It follows continued efforts by department officers to capture two confirmed crocodiles in the Mary River, where fresh crocodile tracks were observed on the river bank near the Bruce Highway bridge upstream of Maryborough.

A floating trap near Graham's Creek was rebaited and a low tide search was carried out last Friday between the Lamington Bridge and the Barrage.

Rangers have regularly sighted the Mary River crocodiles in recent weeks and more traps have been set to try to catch them. Photo Contributed. Picture: Contributed

THE GYMPIE TIMES TOP CROC STORIES:

August 2: Monster 12-foot croc spotted off Burnett Traffic Bridge

May 31: Men splashed by 'croc' while fishing in the Mary River

May 15: Mary River crocodile: cold snap does not stop search

April 28: Was Mary River croc spotted near the Brolga?

April 21: Mary River crocs - why are they so far south?

April 21: OPINION: Crocodiles should be left alone in Mary River

April 20: WATCH: Wildlife officer says crocs 'must be removed'

April 20: Wildlife officer 'not at all surprised' by croc sighting

Members of the public are reminded to exercise CrocWise behaviour at all times. In particular:

•  Obey croc warning signs
•  Don't swim or let domestic pets swim in waters where crocs may live
•  Be aware that crocodiles also swim in the ocean
•  Stand back from the water when fishing or cast netting
•  Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
•  Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, a camp site or boat ramp
•  Never interfere with or fish or boat near crocodile traps, and
•  Always supervise children
•  Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country.

Crocodile sightings can be reported to EHP on 1300 130 372 and the department investigates all crocodile reports it receives

For more information visit the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.