A crocodile seen by multiple witnesses near Bundaberg appears to have escaped detection by wildlife officers, but they say it may have headed north – which is where they would have taken it.
The croc is the first confirmed in the Wide Bay area since two crocodiles were removed from the Mary River after separate sightings in 2013 and 2014.
An Environment Department spokesperson said its officers had carried out a comprehensive investigation involving day and night beach and river patrols, vessel-based spotlighting surveys and a helicopter survey along the coastline and local rivers.
“Approximately 450km of coastline, creeks and rivers were searched during the investigation, which was sparked by social media posts, including a video appearing to show a crocodile entering the ocean at Coonarr Beach, near Bundaberg.”
Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby said the investigation was conducted by experienced wildlife officers over the long weekend.
“We thank those members of the public for submitting crocodile sighting reports and providing video footage of the animal.
“Wide Bay is considered atypical crocodile habitat, and it is possible the animal was flushed out of a river system in its normal range by high rainfall or due to a conflict with another crocodile.
“Crocodiles can swim up to forty kilometres a day, and the animal may be heading north, back into its normal habitat,” he said.
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.
