Croc trapped metres from popular kids’ fishing spot at Deep Creek on Cairns northern beaches

Residents have raised the alarm after children have been seen fishing in croc waters.

Residents warn of crocodile danger as children fish in Deep Creek. Picture: Supplied.

Wildlife rangers have removed a crocodile from a northern beaches creek after it was spotted in an area being used by groups of fishers, including children.

Residents raised concerns after a saltwater croc was spotted in recent weeks Deep Creek, located between Kewarra Beach and Clifton Beach.

Photos shared on social media show a number of young fishers, knee-deep in the water, which is known crocodile habitat.

Children fishing in Deep Creek, from where a crocodile was trapped and removed. Picture: Supplied.

Authorities said they were notified that people were fishing at Deep Creek and a crocodile trap was set earlier this month.

A Department of Environment spokesman confirmed a crocodile had since been removed from the area.

“On December 10, a 1.75-2m crocodile was captured in a baited trap in Deep Creek and transferred to a crocodile farm,” he said.

The department has received 15 crocodile sightings since December 1 for the area including at Palm Cove, Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach.

“Every crocodile sighting report is investigated, and we thank the members of the public for making the sighting reports,” the spokesman said.

Deep Creek is located between Kewarra Beach and Clifton Beach. Picture: Supplied.

With the area known to be crocodile habitat, especially during breeding season, authorities are urging fishers to remember that no body of water in croc country can be “considered free from crocodiles.”

“People are reminded that crocodiles are capable of swimming up to 40km a day, and they use the ocean to move between river and creek systems,” the spokesman said.

“The summer months are breeding season for crocodiles, and they will move along the coast to find new territory or to find a mate.”

Residents warn of crocodile danger as children fish in Deep Creek. Picture: Supplied.

The latest removal comes after a large crocodile was spotted just metres from a popular beach, not far from where a woman was relaxing on the sand, resulting in the beach being closed.

Measuring more than 3m in length, the crocodile was filmed by a local fisherman, who reported it had been lurking beneath the Palm Cove jetty before being spotted floating near the stinger nets.

The Department of Environment spokesman said recent crocodile report investigations had involved crocs of varying sizes.

“The crocodiles had ranged in size from small – less than 1m, medium – about 2m, to large – estimated at 3m,” he said.

“People are responsible for their own safety in croc country,” he said.

“We’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water.”

Originally published as Croc trapped metres from popular kids’ fishing spot at Deep Creek on Cairns northern beaches