Cooya croc sparks community warning
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Cooya Beach residents and visitors have been reminded to be Crocwise when in Croc Country, with local Shanice McLean capturing footage of a cruising crocodile at the boat ramp on Sunday.
Thought to be more than 3m in length, the croc has created some concern for boat ramp users, judging by the reaction online.
“A lot of the boys go fishing there,’’ wrote Kylie Grogan.
“This is our little boat ramp,’’ added Michael Randazzo.
Ms McLean said she posted the video as a warning.
“To reiterate, I posted this so people know that the croc is hanging around the boat ramp, for people with kids or dogs,’’ she wrote.
“Also, I wouldn’t call a croc over 3 meters a baby.”
Molly Lester backed up that statement: “At one year old, a baby crocodile (hatchling/juvenile) typically measures between 50 and 60 centimetres.’’
Living in or visiting areas where there is crocodile habitat means understanding how to Be Crocwise when you’re around the water.
Crocodiles can be found in any waterway including rivers, creeks, beaches, oceans and waterholes.
Crocs are apex predators that use ambush tactics, such as lying and waiting at the water’s edge, to capture their prey. Crocodiles can stay under the water for hours. Just because you can’t see a croc, doesn’t mean there isn’t one close by.
So, if you are planning to go fishing, boating, camping, swimming or sightseeing in the great outdoors, knowing how to Be Crocwise can reduce your risk of a crocodile attack.