Groper Creek couple Denise and Graham Holder share pictures of large crocodile resting on bank

A North Queensland couple came across a large crocodile during a recent birdwatching trip, capturing jaw-dropping snaps of the “8 to 10 foot” reptile. Check them out here.

Crocodile captured on the water’s edge at Groper Creek. Picture: Denise and Graham Holder

A North Queensland couple came across a large crocodile during a recent birdwatching trip, capturing jaw-dropping snaps of the “8 to 10 foot” reptile.

Denise and Graham Holder said they were surprised to spot the crocodile last month as they were taking a shortcut between Burdekin and Groper Creek.

“We rarely see crocodiles here,” Mr Holder said. “I’m a bird watcher; we go out bird watching. We don’t go fishing, so it’s lucky that we were able to see it.”

Crocodile captured on the water’s edge at Groper Creek. Picture: Denise and Graham Holder

Mr Holder said he was happy to grab some snaps of the animal before it went back into the creek.

“I got some pretty photos and looked down to see if the colours were visible, looked up and he was going into the water,” he said.

He said crocs were “cunning” and he was surprised to see one laying next to the water in that busy area.

“There’s that many boats going in and out, they just don’t lay on the banks very often,” he said.

Home Hill Boat Club Commodore Rod Walters said there were some concerns around the presence of crocs near boat ramps and jetties in the area.

“We believe it is becoming an unsafe area because there is quite a number of croc hiding about either downstream or up towards the Burdekin, and they are seen at night time,” he said.

He said the boat club has urged the Burdekin Shire Council to clear overgrown vegetation, including mangroves, to help people spot lurking crocodiles more easily.

“People are becoming more wary of them,” Mr Walters said.

“We are receiving a lot more comments about how it’s becoming unsafe to put the boat in and when retrieving a boat becoming more wary of the environment around them just in case a croc might be there.”

With several recent sightings, including a “6-8 foot” crocodile at Pallarenda Beach earlier this month, wildlife officials are urging locals to be vigilant as mating season begins.

Authorities remind the public to stay “croc wise” and report any sightings to the Department of Environment and Science (DESI) via the QWildlife app, the DESI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.

Originally published as Groper Creek couple Denise and Graham Holder share pictures of large crocodile resting on bank