Man ‘bitten’ by freshie at popular Lake Eacham swimming hole

Wildlife officers are warning swimmers to take care after a man was reportedly bitten by a freshwater croc at a popular Far North swimming hole.

A small freshwater crocodile has lived in Lake Eacham for many years. Picture: Leese Beutel

Wildlife officers are warning swimmers to take care following reports that a man was bitten by a freshwater croc at a popular Far North swimming hole.

A man was reportedly bitten by a freshwater crocodile while swimming between the boat ramp and stairs at Lake Eacham, located on the Atherton Tablelands, on Saturday.

It is known that a freshwater crocodile — estimated to be about 1.5m long — has lived in Lake Eacham for many years, but it hasn’t been known to interact with people until now.

Warning signs are located at the boat ramp and swimming area and at the access to the pontoon.

A spokesman from the Department of Environment and Science confirmed they had received a report that “a member of the public had an interaction with a freshwater crocodile” at the popular swimming spot.

“Unlike estuarine crocodiles, freshwater crocodiles are considered timid and non-life-threatening to humans,” the spokesman said.

Lake Eacham regular Deryck Thompson of Cairns calls for the removal of the harmless freshwater crocodile from Lake Eacham.

“Very few incidents have been reported involving freshwater crocodiles and people.

“However, freshwater crocodiles have very sharp teeth and may lash out and cause injury when cornered or disturbed.

“People should take care when swimming in places where freshwater crocodiles may be present and should not approach freshwater crocodiles if they see them in the wild.”

It comes after Leesa Beutel managed to snap a photo of the croc in 2019, which has now attracted more than 70,000 views on social media.

Originally published as Man ‘bitten’ by freshie at popular Lake Eacham swimming hole