Seven croc sightings in less than one month around Whitsunday Islands

A crocodile spotted swimming in the Whitsunday ocean seas near a five-star luxury resort island was caught, killed, and disposed of at sea.

Nara Inlet, Hook Island Whitsundays.

A crocodile spotted swimming in waters near tourism hotspots seven times in one month has been caught and killed.
Earlier this week, North Queenslanders were warned to be on alert as authorities investigate seven saltie sightings in less than a month in waters around the Whitsundays, including a five-star luxury resort island.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has since caught and killed the estimated 2.5m croc spotted in waters around Hook and Hayman Islands.

It was found during a spotlight search of Nara Inlet at night.

“For public safety reasons, the 2.5 metre male crocodile was humanely euthanised,” a DESI spokesman said.

It was “disposed” of at sea in accordance “with the wishes of Traditional Owners”, they added.

EARLIER:

DESI confirmed it had received four official reports from members of the public about a crocodile in waters around Hook Island and one reporting a crocodile in the marina at Hayman Island.

However data revealed there had been seven sightings between August 30 and September 17, but some were not officially reported.

An Airlie Beach resident enjoys the water at Butterfly Bay on Hook Island. Picture: Marc McCormack

These sightings were:

August 30 – Butterfly Bay Hook Island

September 5 – in water of Nara Inlet Hook Island

September 5 – middle of Nara Inlet Hook Island

September 7 – southern side of Nara Inlet Hook Island

September 9 – northern side of Nara Inlet Hook Island

September 16 – Cockatoo Point and Steens Beach

September 17 – Hayman Island marina

On September 13 wildlife officers and marine park rangers searched Nara Inlet and other bays around Hook Island but poor weather conditions made it difficult to locate the crocodile.

Following the most recent sighting report on September 17, the officers and rangers are preparing to visit Hayman Island on Thursday or Friday when weather conditions improve and are conducive to finding and managing the crocodile.

All local stakeholders have been informed of the current situation and will continue to be updated as required.

If the crocodile is confirmed to be present in the area, it will be targeted for removal from the wild.

The Whitsunday region is crocodile habitat and these sightings are a timely reminder the area is Croc Country and that it is not unusual for the reptiles to be spotted on or around islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

They are highly mobile and can use islands to rest during rough weather, and they use the ocean to move between river systems.

People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and it is important to make sensible choices around the water.

It is important for members of the public to report all crocodile sightings to the department by using the QWildlife app, via the DESI website, or by phoning 1300 130 372.