Video captures crocodile snapping up turtle in Top End

Top End tourists were shell-shocked when they saw a crocodile snap up a turtle – but a local fisho says he’s seen it all before. WATCH THE VIDEO.

Tourists and locals were treated to another terrifying display by the Territory’s apex predator, days after a pack of feral pigs dodged a croc in now viral footage.

George, a guide for fishing charter company Offshore Boats, spotted a saltwater crocodile demolishing a turtle 18km offshore near fishing and diving spot Middle Reef last Saturday.

“We were out there fishing on the western side of Middle Reef,” George said.

“We saw something up in front of us.

“The customers thought they were dugongs.

At first the customers thought it was dugongs in the water. Picture: Supplied

“I could see the white belly and had a fair idea what it was.

“Sure enough it was a croc with a turtle.”
George said this was a common sight for him given his years spent sailing northern Australia’s coastline.

“The customers were pretty amazed to see a crocodile that far off shore,” he said.

“I explained to them I’ve seen them 200km offshore before.

George said he’d seen a croc kill a turtle plenty of times before. Picture: Supplied

“They drift out with the tides and look for turtles — they love turtles.

“Then they ride the tide back to land.”

George said the boat got a little too close for comfort for some of the customers.

“I told them don’t worry — once a croc has something in its mouth it won’t ever let go.”

Originally published as Video captures crocodile snapping up turtle in Top End