Crocodile spotted at a popular Cairns beach

A crocodile was spotted at one of the most popular family beaches in the Cairns region on Saturday.

The sighting of a crocodile at a popular beach north of Cairns has set tongues wagging.

On Saturday at around 2pm, several people reported sighting a crocodile on the sand and in the water at Holloways Beach, around 10km north of Cairns City.

The sighting of the reptile caused great interest with hundreds of people taking to social media to share photos and discuss the reptile’s movements.

One post with a photo advised people with pets to take extra care.

A crocodile was spotted in the water at Holloways Beach, 10km north of Cairns City, on January 14. Picture: Supplied

“Dog walkers please be aware! Holloways Beach 2pm Saturday 14/1,” the post said.

Gillian McLeod posted, “I saw it in the water southern end of Yorkeys about 08.30 Saturday morning.”

Kellie Harris posted: “Really it’s Croc country and also Sharks Stingers Box Jellyfish. they are there. just have a tad of a brain . it’s North Queensland!!! The Crocs are on the move at the moment looking for a lovely female probably. it’s more than likely moved on by now.”

Col Hornet posted, “When I grew up in Trinity Park we always had to watch out for crocs at the beach. And yes I know weren’t as many as now.”

Cheryl Abel posted, “Last evening and early this morning while I was walking my dog I cleaned up around 10 chicken carcasses along the shoreline! Probably off a boat no wonder mr croc is about!!!”

Lisa White posted, “Super cool spotting. A good reminder to keep our dogs on a lead, especially near estuaries. Crocs are more active in summer, moving out from rivers to find a mate.”

On January 14, a crocodile was seen at Holloways Beach which is a popular place for people to exercise their dogs. Picture: Supplied

It not yet known if the animal was a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) or a freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) but while the latter are known to be fairly tolerant of saltwater, they are generally found upstream from coastal waters.

According to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science’s (DES) Crocodile Sightings Dashboard, 82 animals have been reported in the last 30 days.

In the Far North the sightings were recorded as 13 in the Cairns region, nine in the Cassowary Coast region, nine in Carpentaria region, four in the Cook Shire, one in Mareeba, four in Torres Shire, one in Torres Strait Island Region and one in Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire.

According to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science'€™s Crocodile Dashboard, at least 13 crocodiles have been sighted in the Cairns region in the 30 days to January 14, 2023. Picture: Supplied

This figure initially represents the number of cases (based on sighting reports received) that have been active in the last 30 days or have been declared as problem crocodiles.

It is understood that the actual number is higher as not all crocodile sightings are formally reported.

One of the man crocodile warning signs in around Cairns. FILE PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE.

DES has requested that If you see a crocodile in Queensland report it to them via the QWildlife app for iOS and Android, accessing the sighting report online or calling 1300 130 372.

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Originally published as Crocodile spotted at a popular Cairns beach