Woman followed by crocodile urges people to be more croc aware

LETTER TO EDITOR

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Dahna Dalhberh in front of the drain where she spotted the crocodiles. Picture: Dana Dahlberg

It was about 9.00pm on Friday night the 10th of March when I spotted a crocodile lying in the drainway on Ulysses Avenue in Port Douglas.

My eldest son and I often go for a bike ride in the evening when it's cooler. He headed off about 10 minutes before me, so I did some laps through the neighbourhood to catch up.

I cut up through the walking track towards the park off Ulysses Avenue and then turned around. I always ride with lights on my bike as well as a head torch.

It was on my return at about halfway along the track that I spotted red eye shine. The crocodile was lying in the drainway before the culvert which runs under Ulysses Avenue.

I didn't hesitate because I was riding fast and the eye shine was very close together. As I passed the crocodile, it decided to turn around and follow me.

I parked my bike up on the bridge and rang the appropriate authorities. By this stage the 2 metre crocodile ventured through the culvert and on to the other side. Some tourists stopped and assisted me to keep an eye on the crocodile while I was on the phone.

At one stage the croc jumped up and lunged out of the water. We then had an array of locals assisting. Once Sergeant Meadows arrived the crocodile had gone over the big metal grate and into the lake. While we were keeping an eye on the croc I found another set of red eye shine.

Being more croc aware

If there is a body of water, then expect there is a possibility that a crocodile may be present. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it can't see you.

We live in their environment and need to have a healthy respect for them. Not taking silly risks especially during the wet season. They are on the move and the water temperature is just right for them, so you won't typically see them sunbathing to warm themselves up.

I will always feel safe living in the wet tropics as I know what is out there and know what to expect. I couldn't imagine living in the hustle and bustle where there are many more unpredictable dangers and situations you can't avoid.

I grew up in the Douglas Shire and studied Heritage and Interpretive Tourism. We live in an amazing part of the world, we are surrounded by so many amazing aspects on land and sea with our flora and fauna. I'm so grateful to be a part of that and education about the environment we live in goes a long way.

Thank you,

Dana Dahlberg
 

On the other side of Ulysses Avenue the culvert connects directly to the Warri Park Lake. Picture: Newsport
Warri Park Wetlands connect directly to the culverts running through the original Port Gardens and Ferndale communities. Image Newsport.

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