Surfing croc making its way to popular beach
Danger lurking along Northern Beaches: ‘The kids won’t be going down to the beach this afternoon’
Mackay
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RESIDENTS have spotted a three-metre croc surfing the coast and making its way to Eimeo.
Dolphin Heads resident Louise Smith said she spotted the large predator swimming 150m off the shoreline about noon today.
“I’ve been keeping my eye out looking for the whales,” she said.
When Ms Smith spotted the creature in the water, she initially thought it was a small whale.
But when she saw its “spikes” and scaly skin she realised it was much more dangerous.
“He looked really big. He must be three metres,” she said.
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Ms Smith said the croc was swimming past the point at Dolphin Heads and was headed to Eimeo Beach.
“The kids won’t be going down to the beach this afternoon,” she joked.
An Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club spokeswoman said she was not aware of the crocodile and they would be watching the situation in case the beach would need to be closed.
While crocodiles are known to visit the area, Ms Smith said they were uncommon.
The last croc she spotted was a year and a half ago, she said.
Since the beginning of the year, 178 crocodiles have been reported to the Environment and Science Department, with animals recently spotted at Funnel Bay and Abell Point Marina at Airlie Beach, and the Mackay Marina.
DES recommends all sightings be reported to CrocWatch on 1300 130 372.
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