Kieran Campbell kieran.campbell@capnews.com.au
25 February 2009
The Morning Bulletin
Young anglers get close but not personal
TWO Rockhampton 17 year olds had no reason to smile when they came across this crocodile, which they estimated to be four metres long, on the Fitzroy River.
Samuel, one of the schoolboys, said he had been fishing in a tinnie with his mate when they motored past the croc sunbaking in the mangroves at Devil’s Elbow, just south of Rockhampton, a couple of weeks ago.
The keen fisherman said it was as big as the four-metre boat they were driving and the closest he’d seen a crocodile to the city.
An Environmental Protection Agency spokesman said Devil’s Elbow was a known crocodile habitat.
He said crocodile sightings should be reported immediately to the EPA.
Any crocodiles longer than two metres that are spotted in urban areas, such as the Devil’s Elbow, are moved by agency.
“Anyone who sees a crocodile should not to go near or interfere with the animal and to immediately call the EPA hotline on 1300 130 372,” the spokesman said.
Samuel said he would still fish on the Fitzroy despite the close croc call.
“As long as they don’t get in the boat they’re not a worry.”
The last crocodile sighting recorded on the EPA website was of 4.5m and 3m crocs on February 4 between Glen’s Slipway and Nerimbera boat ramp.
EPA advises people never to swim in water where crocodiles may live, even if there is no warning sign present.
www.themorningbulletin.com.au
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