Latest crocodile sighting dismissed as dugong as search continues

Drone footage has revealed a suspected crocodile sighting to be a dugong, but the search continues for a croc allegedly seen earlier this week.

A suspected crocodile caught on video has been declared a dugong by wildlife rangers, but the search for the North Stradbroke Island croc continues.

The video had been circulating on social media, with many questioning whether it was in fact the saltwater crocodile allegedly spotted on the island on Wednesday.

The Department of Environment and Science investigated the most recent sighting near the One Mile Jetty at Dunwich, launching an aerial drone to view the creature from above.

Aerial drone view of the dugong

It has now been confirmed the tail thought to be that of a crocodile, was in fact that of a dugong.

“Rangers and wildlife officers have reviewed footage taken this morning and have confirmed it shows a dugong in shallow waters on the eastern side of the island,” the department said.

Footage of what appears to be a crocodile near the One Mile Jetty at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island. Picture: Mitch Long

The DES again urged the public to stay away from Stradbroke Island and stop flying personal drones over the area while investigations continued.

“Visitors and residents on Minjerribah are asked to stay away from beaches between Amity Point and Dunwich while the investigation continues.

“Members of the public are asked not to launch private drones on and around the island until further notice.”

The hunt for the croc continues.

The creature was first reported by Straddie Adventures tour operator Mark Jones and his group of nine kayakers who saw the crocodile among mangroves at Myora Spring on Wednesday morning.

Wildlife rangers, including two expert croc hunters flown in from Far North Queensland, have spent days searching for the crocodile, but are yet to confirm its existence.

Despite warnings to stay away from the investigation, curious residents headed to the island to try to and spot the croc.

Footage taken at the One Mile Jetty at Dunwich, just south of the initial crocodile sighting shows what appears to be an animal’s tail flickering in and out of the water, with boats in the background.

North Queensland MP Bob Katter has told the media to “put it on record” that he did not put the crocodile in waters around North Stradbroke Island and that if a croc is found, it should be shot.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mr Katter said neither he nor his friends were involved in the croc saga.

“I did not put it there and I don’t think any of my friends suggested that we should (or) were involved.”

When asked what should be done if the croc is found, a bewildered Mr Katter declared it should be shot.

“People swim, grandkids swim (at) Stradbroke Island,” he said.

The Department of Environment and Science said they had not yet received official confirmation of the croc and that an official update would be provided on Friday morning.

If confirmed, the crocodile would be captured and relocated.

The Straddie saltie would be the first of its kind to travel so far south, with the most recent southern sighting at the Mary River in Gympie four years ago.

Originally published as Latest crocodile sighting dismissed as dugong as search continues