Cyclone Jasper sparks concerns over potential crocodile encounters in Port Douglas

CROC AWARENESS

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

Email Jamie
Last updated:
A 2 metre croc and a 1,5 metre croc were found in the drain system in Ulysses Street in Port Douglas. Picture: Sent in by a reader

As cyclone Jasper nears its land crossing towards Port Douglas, concerns are mounting over the potential threat of storm surge flooding, raising the unsettling possibility of crocodiles making their way into the streets.

In the aftermath of high tides and heavy rains, crocodiles can move further upstream into new areas. Previous weather events have brought the animals in Far North Queensland out of their normal home in coastal creeks.

The phenomenon occurred during recent floods in Queensland and was also seen when Cyclone Owen struck in 2018. Crocodiles were flushed out of the surrounding creek and onto the streets in Far North Queensland.

In a notable incident from January 2018, a sizable 3-metre crocodile was sighted in Ulysses Ave in Port Douglas, ultimately ending up on a resident's front yard doorstep. The crocodile collided with a neighbour’s garage before finding an easement between two properties, disappearing into the drain system leading to Ferndale Lake.

Be aware of flooding and known crocodile habitats. Picture: Newsport

Thank you!

Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.

Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.