Wildlife rangers issue warning after pulling 3.1m croc in Gunn Point

Wildlife rangers have issued a warning to Top End residents after pulling a 3.1m croc from a culvert on the outskirts of Darwin.

TERRITORIANS are being urged to be crocwise this wet season after the Top End wildlife rangers caught a 3.1m croc near Gunn Point Road.

Senior wildlife ranger Tommy Nichols said the crocodile management team started putting traps in the area last year.

Wildlife rangers said the 3.1m croc could easily kill a human. Picture: Supplied

“We got six out of there last year and this one was the first one in Gunn Point for this year,” he said.

“It’s a very popular place where people go swimming, they ride their bikes or buggies and ride horses through.”

“But it’s also an area where the crocodiles just go straight through.”

“It’s such a dangerous place where people just don’t realise crocodiles can get to because the water was not real deep.”

Extra care around water is advised during the wet season as crocodiles can easily move undetected to new areas.

“You can find them anywhere this time of the year,” Mr Nichols said.

Wildlife rangers the pulled croc from a culvert on the outskirts of Darwin. Picture: Supplied.

“Swollen creeks and high water levels in the wet season open up the landscape for crocodiles to move about more freely.

“All of our freshwater systems join up with the salt water, so that creates a problem where crocodiles are moving into areas where they don’t normally go.”

Mr Nichols recommended practical steps to stay safe this wet season.

“Stand back from the edge, be responsible when disposing of fish carcasses and do not enter the water,” he said.

“People need to understand that just because you didn’t see a crocodile yesterday doesn’t mean there isn’t one there today. Always be crocwise.”