Photographers head to Russell River to snap Clyde the saltie

A large saltwater croc that’s taken up residence in a Far North waterway is quickly gaining a celebrity-like following among nature photographers and drone operators. See the photos.

A LARGE saltwater croc near Babinda is quickly gaining a celebrity-like following among nature photographers and drone operators.

Inhabiting a section of the Russell River near the Clyde Rd bridge, the croc has not moved up into Babinda Creek and won’t be targeted for removal according to the Department of Environment and Science.

East Russell photographer Gus Lee often crosses the Clyde Rd bridge across the Russell River to get to Babinda. Whenever he sees this big croc he stops to get a photo. Picture: Gus Lee

Since the saltie began to regularly emerge on a sandbank in the river a steady stream of hobby photographers have taken full advantage of the animal’s lack of fear, according to keen nature snapper and East Russell resident Gus Lee said.

“Now there is more people going to the bridge, some people bring really big cameras and people bring drones,” he said.

The big croc on his favourite Russell River sand bank. Picture: Gus Lee

“The main thing for me is to make people aware that this croc could be dangerous.

“I’m getting jitters about this croc. Normally they swim away but this one swims straight toward me.”

Fiery debate has raged about whether the 3-4m animal is the popular croc known as Clyde since regular sightings began in June or if the croc in the photos is a newcomer that’s challenged Clyde for territory.

The large croc spotted at the Russell River. Picture: Gus Lee

Hobby drone operator Ayman Hamzeh visiting the river last week said he had recently relocated to Innisfail from Sydney and previously had only ever seen a croc in the zoo.

“I was interested just for fun and entertainment,” he said.

“I was surprised to see crocodiles in the wild and I had seen them in the zoo but not in these areas.

The croc enjoying the sun, snapped by an East Russell photographer last week. Picture: Gus Lee

“So I bought a drone to see the crocs, and for the mountains and the beaches and forest.”

Aware of the croc, a DES spokesman stated in June there was no plan to target the crocodile for removal, unless it demonstrated behaviour indicating it was a threat to public safety.

The section of river near the Clyde Rd bridge is classified as Zone C crocodile management area meaning crocodiles larger than 2m will only be removed if displaying dangerous behaviour.

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Originally published as Photographers head to Russell River to snap Clyde the saltie