Crocodile sighted in Mary River near Dundathu, targeted for removal

A council worker who spotted the crocodile on the banks of the Mary River has shared his story.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation received a report the animal was sighted on Tuesday, June 24, and conducted a site inspection the following day. Photo: Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

A council worker has told of the shocking moment he spotted a crocodile on the banks of the Mary River at Dundathu.

It comes as the crocodile was again sighted by rangers on Friday as they target the reptile for removal.

The crocodile was initially spotted by two council workers who were carrying out routine water monitoring checks on the river at Dundathu on Tuesday.

One of the council workers who was on the boat, Andrew Robertson, stayed remarkably calm during the ordeal, while his colleague was the more excited of the two.

Slide marks left by the crocodile spotted at Dundathu.

Slide marks left by the crocodile spotted at Dundathu.

“When you see a big croc, you just want to have a look at it,” Mr Robertson said.

“I’ve seen the signs, but that’s the first croc I’ve seen.

“I thought he’d (his colleague) seen a dead body or something, the way he carried on.

“He was pretty excited about the whole ordeal.”

On Friday, the 2.5m reptile was sighted again, this time by rangers from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

When realised it was being approached, the crocodile slipped off the bank and back into the water.

Wildlife rangers are continuing to monitor the animal.

Rangers on hunt for croc seen in Mary River

On Thursday afternoon, Wildlife officers targeted an estuarine crocodile for removal from the Mary River near Dundathu after the 2.5m animal was sighted basking on the bank.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation received a report the animal was sighted on Tuesday, June 24, and conducted a site inspection the following day.

As the location is not suitable for a trap, wildlife officers will attempt to direct capture the crocodile, which means using a jaw noose.

The Mary River is not considered typical crocodile habitat, and any animal confirmed to be present in the area will be targeted for removal from the wild.

Anyone who believes they have seen a crocodile in the Mary River should make a report as soon as possible.

This can be done using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.

A 3.8m crocodile caught in the Mary River in the Mungar area in 2014. Photo: Alistair Brightman

The Mary River crocodile captured in 2013. Photo: Valerie Horton

In 2013 and 2014, two large crocodiles were removed from the Mary River in Maryborough.

In the past few months, there have been a number of crocodile sightings shared in the Wide Bay, including at Coonarr Beach and Inskip Point.

There was an extensive search for the reptile reported at Inskip, but it was unsuccessful and it was believed the animal had returned further north.

It was believed to be the same crocodile spotted at Coonarr Beach.

Originally published as Crocodile sighted in Mary River near Dundathu, targeted for removal