A potential crocodile sighting at Noosa Spit has triggered an investigation by the Department of Environment and Science (DETSI).
Local resident Ross Buckley reported seeing a crocodile at Noosa Spit on Sunday, sharing details of the encounter on social media.
Ross Buckley stated, “Was out for my usual 6:30am stroll this morning with my dog down along the dog beach at the Noosa Spit, spotted approximately a 3.5 meter crocodile a few meters off the shoreline, just past the bend where the mangroves start.”
“At first I thought it was a bit of driftwood, but then it moved. I’ve lived here over 30 years and never seen anything like it. I’ve heard a few locals say they have seen one in the same neck of the woods, although I didn’t think much of it and just thought they were tugging my tousle, until today it turns out, i owe them an apology! I quickly put the dog on the lead and kept my distance.
“Emergency services have been alerted and are apparently on a search for it now. Just wanted to give a heads up to all the locals who walk their dogs here early and usually swim around this area, be careful and stay safe. Not sure what’s going on with wildlife lately but this gave me a real fright. Definitely won’t be back here for my morning walk.”
James Graham, also raised concerns after reviewing images from his boat’s sounder, which he believes may depict a crocodile in the water.
“Please note the sighting has yet to be verified,” Noosa MP Sandy Bolton stated online.
“With a confirmed sighting in the Mary River in Maryborough recently, we have requested further information including whether there are any trends being observed such as change in migratory behaviours, and what measures would be considered if this is the case and will update to Noosa 360,” Ms Bolton said.
Wildlife officers recently confirmed the presence of an estuarine crocodile in the Mary River near Dundathu in the Wide Bay region, which was targeted for removal from the wild.
On 24 June 2025, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) received a crocodile sighting report of an estimated 2.5 metre crocodile basking on the bank before sliding into the river.
The Mary River in the Wide Bay area is considered atypical crocodile habitat, and any crocodile confirmed to be present is targeted for removal from the wild.
To report a crocodile in QLD, call 1300 130 372 (Option 1) or do so by the QWildlife app for iOS and Android.
More information on reporting including an online form is available at shorturl.at/UVH5B
