‘Get behind a croc-blocker’: Top crocodile safety advice for Far North fishers

Fishers and campers in Far North Queensland are being encouraged to “get behind a croc-blocker” to reduce the risk of a crocodile attack.

Wildlife experts have advised men to get behind a croc-blocker as a recent report found males 30 years and older, living in North Queensland, are most likely to be attacked. Picture: Queensland Government.

Wildlife experts have advised people to get behind a croc-blocker when fishing or camping near waterways to help prevent crocodile attacks, as statistics reveal men aged 30 years and older were the most complacent demographic in croc country.

Researchers identified men living in North Queensland as the most likely group to be attacked by crocodiles.

Their research also busted the “myth” of interstate and international tourists being more likely, than locals, to ignore crocodile signs with most attacks happening to local men while fishing or boating.

Queensland Government northern wildlife operations director, Lindsay Delzoppo, said to reduce the risk of a crocodile attack, people could not fall into complacency.

“The research is clear, and it is local men who are putting themselves at risk of an attack when they’re fishing or boating,” he said.

Wildlife experts have advised men to get behind a croc-blocker as a recent report found males 30 years and older, living in North Queensland, are most likely to be attacked. Picture: Queensland Government.

“If you love fishing, reduce your risk by being crocwise not complacent, and make sure you remind your family and friends to do the same.”

Mr Delzoppo said over time, people could become too carefree around the water, especially if they hadn’t seen a crocodile for a while or had never seen a crocodile at a particular location.

“Crocodiles are a part of life in northern Queensland, and we want men living in the tropical north to understand and reduce the risks of croc attacks,” he said.

In support of this latest research, the Queensland Government have launched a new croc safety campaign, aimed at targeting men to “snap into action”.

The new “Up here we’re CrocwiseR” campaign which began on December 22, works to encourage men living in north Queensland to adopt specific crocwise behaviours to reduce the risk of a croc attack.

Keep your whole body back from the edge of the boat, including arms, legs, head, the whole rig. Picture: Queensland Government.

Getting behind a croc-blocker is one suggested method, which uses something solid, like an esky or a large log, between the water's edge and a person while fishing.

In addition other tips suggested in the campaign include leaving or cutting a lure if it becomes snagged, and staying within the border of the boat.

“Never wade into the water to retrieve a snagged lure, always use a croc-blocker while fishing from the river or beach and if you’re on the water, keep your entire body in the boat,” Mr Delzoppo said.

“We want the locals to remember three simple Crocwise tips so they can continue to enjoy the amazing fishing and boating opportunities in tropical north Queensland.”

This comes as wildlife rangers removed a crocodile from a northern beaches creek after it was spotted in Deep Creek, being used by groups of fishers, including children.

Originally published as ‘Get behind a croc-blocker’: Top crocodile safety advice for Far North fishers