Crocodile sighted at Centenary Lakes in North Cairns

Wildlife officers are monitoring a suburban Cairns lake and warning signs have been placed in the area after a reported sighting of a crocodile.

A REPORTED crocodile sighting has prompted wildlife officers to place a warning sign on a footbridge at Centenary Lakes in North Cairns, bemusing locals and startling visitors.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said a person saw what they thought was a small crocodile and reported it on April 4.

“The person thought it was a stick at first, only its head, eyes, nose and mouth were visible, and it quickly submerged so no size estimate could be made,” he said.

A sign on the Saltwater Lake footbridge at Centenary Lakes warning that a crocodile has been spotted in the area. Picture: Stewart McLean

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“It was sighted on the north western side of the lake.

“Recent warning signs have been installed and wildlife officers are monitoring the area.”

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the area is within Zone B (Active Removal Zone). This means that any crocodile confirmed to be present is automatically targeted for removal.

It’s not the only croc to be reported in Cairns suburbia lately.

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Members of the public have reported “problem crocodiles” to DES in recent weeks with one at Chinaman Creek at Arthur Strike Park at Edmonton and a sighting at a creek near McGregor Rd that is under investigation.

A croc was removed from Lily Creek in North Cairns early last month.

Dog walkers were also alarmed in February when a warning sign went up next to an off-leash park in Mooroobool.

Originally published as Crocodile sighted at Centenary Lakes in North Cairns