Crocs crossing over to Magnetic Island from Townsville

Crocodiles have been crossing the 8km stretch of ocean between Townsville and Magnetic Island and are having an impact on its tourism market.

CROCODILES have been crossing the 8km stretch of ocean between Townsville and Magnetic Island and are having an impact on its tourism market.

Records from the Department of Environment and Science revealed there had been seven reported sightings on the island this year.

It comes after recent sighting warning signs were installed at Horseshoe Bay.

RELATED

• Fishing experts reveal Townsville’s land-based hot spots

• WATCH: Crocodile spotted near local swimming spot

• State Labor Government concerned by Katter’s Australian Party plan to cull saltwater crocodiles

Barefoot Art Food Wine owner Dave Stafford said the crocodile recently seen on the northern side of the island was “no real endangerment to human life”.

“I know two locals who have seen it, it’d be no more than two foot (60cm). It’s a baby,” he said.

Mr Stafford was concerned the signs were a detriment to the island’s tourism industry.

There were two reported croc sightings on Magnetic Island in November, two in October and one each in May, June and July.

The department said a number of crocodiles seen on the island were believed to be passing through the area.

Billabong Sanctuary head of reptiles Dave Tapper said crocodiles were accomplished swimmers and could survive “ocean voyages” but were mostly found in fresh or estuarine waters.

“Crocodiles we see in the ocean environment are mostly juvenile males,” Mr Tapper said.

“They have usually been kicked out by a larger male.”

In 2019 there were 57 reported crocodile sighting across the Townsville City Council’s area.

The most sightings were reported in May (12) and in April (8).

In 2018 there were far more reported sightings, with 84 recorded over the year and unlike 2019 most were in January (13) although there were nine sightings in December, September and July.

Mr Tapper said it was not unusual to see crocodiles basking on the banks of rivers during the cooler months.

“The winter time, they will be up basking and sunning themselves, but during the summer months they are known to be a bit more active. When they’re warmer they are able to hunt and be a bit more active,” he said.

He said male crocodiles would mostly be protective of their territory in spring, during mating season.

Mr Tapper said females would become defensive of their nests from December to February.

Originally published as Crocs crossing over to Magnetic Island from Townsville