‘Trying to find their mate’: Crocs on the move, The Strand closed
The Strand was closed to all swimmers for several hours on Monday after a reported croc sighting. Lifeguards say the big guys are on the move for breeding season.
Townsville
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A reported croc sighting off The Strand has sparked warnings the big guys are on the move for breeding season.
Around 7am on Monday morning, October 14, Townsville City Council workers reportedly spotted a three metre croc off the Rockpool headland.
Lifeguard supervisor Mitch Knight said a picture was taken of the croc and passed on to lifeguards, who then closed all nearby beaches for four hours.
“Our procedure is to close swimming spots for four hours after the last sighting,” Mr Knight said.
“We typically always see an increase in crocs coming into this time of year as they transit from different river systems trying to find their mate for the season.”
Saltwater crocodile breeding season runs from September to April.
According to the Queensland Government, males crocs become “very mobile” as they look for a mate, and courtship begins in October-November with nesting spread over December-April.
The Rockpool sighting follows another reported croc sighting on The Strand on September 9 in the water off Longboards.
Mr Knight said anyone interested in monitoring croc sightings can do so on the QWildlife app, which tracks the latest sightings and also lets citizens report their own.
A Townsville City Council spokesperson said a member of the public notified council workers of the crocodile.
“Council crews then notified The Strand lifeguards who closed patrolled beaches until the area was declared safe,” the spokesperson said.
“Council reminds the community of the importance of being crocwise in North Queensland.
“If you see a crocodile report it to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation by calling 1300 130 372, otherwise you can report online at www.desi.qld.gov.au or use the QWildlife app.
Originally published as ‘Trying to find their mate’: Crocs on the move, The Strand closed
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