Crocodile seen at Kingfisher Pool in Cattana Wetlands, Smithfield

A local birdwatcher was shocked to see a crocodile at a popular nature reserve.

A croc has been sighted at a popular nature reserve in Smithfield.

Anthony Parsons, of Brinsmead, said he was bird watching on Monday about 8.30am when he saw the croc swimming at the Kingfisher Pool in the Cattana Wetlands.

“This was the first time I have seen on there and I go there probably once a week to do my bird photography,” Mr Parsons said.

“I was there and I was looking around. I thought I saw something come out of the water so I sat to take the photo.”

Mr Parsons said he took the photo to alert people there were crocs in the reserve.

A crocodile has been sighted at the Cattana Wetlands on Monday about 8.30am. Picture: Anthony Parsons.

Cairns fisherman Dan Hammersley said every year there was a croc sighting there.

“Cattana is in the middle of a couple of river systems, when it floods, it goes into the back of Moon River at Trinity Park, and Avalon Creek,” he said.

“The area is well stocked with fish, barramundi, naturally.

“Obviously all the crocodiles can move and pretty much just walk into Cattana Wetlands.

“Usually they are anywhere between 1.8 and 2.8m.”

Mr Hammersley said throughout his time he has had some encounters.

“I’ve had a few encounters – one which sort of gave me a bit of a scare many years ago,” he said.

“We’ve got to treat all our waterways that there’s potentially crocs in there.

“You need to be aware we live in crocodile country and potentially there’s gonna be one not far away from you.”

Originally published as Crocodile seen at Kingfisher Pool in Cattana Wetlands, Smithfield