Crocodile shocks locals at popular holiday spot, far south of usual habitat

Locals are baffled after reports of a 3.5-metre crocodile at a popular holiday spot, hundreds of kilometres further south than the animal’s usual range.

Locals are baffled after reports of a 3.5-metre crocodile in Noosa, hundreds of kilometres further south than the animal’s usual range.

Noosa local James Graham said he picked up signs of a “massive” crocodile on his fish finder on Sunday.

The pictures appeared to show the distinctive shape and tail movements of a croc.

Mr Graham told news.com.au he was fishing the Noosa River, about one kilometre from the river mouth and opposite Ricky’s River Bar, when he noticed the “pretty startling” images.

He was accustomed to seeing crocodiles on his sounder much further north, while chasing barramundi near Townsville, but never in Noosa.

Crocodile habitat typically begins at the Boyne River, about 400 kilometres north of Noosa, and sightings outside that area are rare.

Mr Graham’s sighting came just hours after another Noosa resident, Ross Buckley, had also reported seeing a croc.

“Was out for my usual 6.30am stroll this morning with my dog down along the dog beach at the Noosa Spit, (and) spotted approximately a 3.5 metre crocodile a few meters off the shoreline, just past the bend where the mangroves start,” Mr Buckley told a community Facebook group.

“At first I thought it was a bit of driftwood, but then it moved. I’ve lived here over 30 years and never seen anything like it – I’ve heard a few locals say they have seen one in the same neck of the woods, although I didn’t think much of it and just thought they were tugging my tousle, until today it turns out, I owe them an apology!

“Just wanted to give a heads up to all the locals who walk their dogs here early and usually swim around this area, be careful and stay safe. Not sure what’s going on with wildlife lately but this gave me a real fright. Definitely won’t be back here for my morning walk.”

The Noosa River. Picture Lachie Millard

Mr Graham said he saw Mr Buckley’s post that morning and didn’t think much of it – until his own experience later that day.

“You see that on social media and you just react thinking isn’t that ridiculous? There’s no way there’s a crocodile in Noosa, especially in the middle of winter,” he said.

“Hours later I was fishing, and not catching anything, and all of a sudden my mate goes Oi, look at this.

“And there’s a massive picture of what looks like a crocodile.”

Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said wildlife rangers investigated a reported sighting at Noosa Spit on Sunday but “found no evidence of a crocodile”.

The pictures appeared to show the distinctive shape and tail movements of a croc. Picture: Supplied

A follow-up search was planned for Monday, a spokesman for the department said.

“While the investigation is ongoing, people are asked to be vigilant around the water.

“The Noosa area is considered atypical crocodile habitat, and any crocodile confirmed to be present will be targeted for removal from the wild.

“Anyone who sees what they believe to be a crocodile in the Noosa area is encouraged to make a sighting report as soon as possible.”

Queensland residents can report crocodile sightings by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.