No crocodile found after massive coastline search near Bundaberg

Wildlife officers investigating multiple reports of a crocodile on a beach south of Bundaberg have urged people to report any sightings after a massive search failed to find the elusive animal. VIDEO

Wildlife officers investigating multiple reports of a crocodile on a beach south of Bundaberg have urged people to report any further sightings after a search involving 450km of coastline failed to find the elusive animal.

There were a number of reported sightings at Coonarr Beach and the Elliott River mouth earlier in January, and a video taken purportedly showing a crocodile entering the “surf” at Coonarr Beach, south of Bundaberg; not a typical environment for crocs whose natural habitat ranges north of Gladstone and occasionally as far south as the Mary River.

The reports followed a possible sighting in the Burnett River in November 2024.

  and involved day and night beach and river patrols, vessel-based spotlighting surveys and a helicopter survey along the coastline and local rivers.

“It has now been five days since the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation received the last sighting report for the crocodile on 23 January 2025,” Mr Frisby said.

“We thank those members of the public for submitting crocodile sighting reports and providing video footage of the animal,” he said.

“The Wide Bay is considered atypical crocodile habitat, and it is possible that the animal was flushed out of a river system in its normal range by high rainfall or due to a conflict with another crocodile.

“Crocodiles can swim up to 40km a day, and the animal may be heading north, back into its normal habitat.

“We are monitoring for further reports, and I’d like to encourage everyone in the Wide Bay community to report whenever they believe they have seen a crocodile to the department.”

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.
The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the Wide Bay region is zoned as atypical habitat for crocodiles, in which any crocodile found is targeted for removal.

Originally published as No crocodile found after massive coastline search near Bundaberg