3M crocodile menacing beachgoers at Nightcliff

A 3M CROC has lurked dangerously close to shore at a Darwin city beach - with one bloke playing chicken to keep it there until rangers arrived.

Police and rangers keep an eye on the croc as it cruised along the Nightcliff foreshore a

A DARWIN man was lucky to escape unharmed after apparently trying to entice an ­aggressive saltwater crocodile to shore at a popular beach late yesterday.

Al Lajevardi was seen lying at the water’s edge at Nightcliff Beach about 5pm – as a 3m ­saltie swam closer and closer, the NT News reports.

Al Lajevardi has a crack at getting up close and personal with the croc. Photo: DANIEL HARTLEY-ALLEN

Al and a police officer have a chat about the optimum safe distance between oneself and a dangerous reptile. Photo: DANIEL HARTLEY-ALLEN

Only an hour earlier, the same croc almost grabbed one of the dogs of a local resident who was walking them by the water.

Mr Lajevardi said: “My heart was pumping.

“I was looking into his eyes, it was scary.

“I’m too young to be bait.”

IT’S HAPPENED BEFORE: Croc chases surfers at Nightcliff

Police and rangers keep an eye on the croc as it cruised along the Nightcliff foreshore at sunset. Photo: JAMES DUNLEVIE

The croc got within a couple of metres of Mr Lajevardi.

At the last minute, the croc did an about-turn when a wave crashed overhead – and Mr ­Lajevardi quickly ran to safety.

Mr Lajevardi justified the dangerous act by saying he was trying to keep the croc in the area so wildlife rangers could arrive and catch it.

But onlookers weren’t convinced. Many stood open-mouthed as Mr Lajevardi played chicken with the potentially deadly beast.

Police arrived at the scene to caution Mr Lajevardi and make sure no one else got close to the saltie.

Parks and Wildlife staff later caught the crocodile which was relocated to a farm.

Further information about crocodile safety and reporting crocodile sightings can be found on the Parks and Wildlife website

To report a crocodile to the Crocodile Management Team, please call:

8999 4691 or 0419 822 859 (Darwin)

8973 8888 or 0407 958 405 (Katherine)

Crowds gather as the croc is spotted down on the Nightcliff foreshore. Photo: DANIEL HARTLEY-ALLEN