Whitsunday crocodile sightings

Issued: 20 Sep 2024

A crocodile that was recently seen in waters around Hook Island and Hayman Island in the Whitsundays has been removed from the wild.

Last night, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) conducted a spotlight search of Nara Inlet and located the crocodile.

For public safety reasons, the 2.5 metre male crocodile was humanely euthanised.

Since 30 August, DESI received seven crocodile sighting reports from members of the public about the crocodile in waters around Hook Island and Hayman Island.

Wildlife officers and Marine Park rangers conducted their investigation in response to those sighting reports.

The removal of this animal from the wild highlights the importance of reporting all crocodile sightings to the department.

Sighting reports provide wildlife officers with vital information about the location, behaviour and estimated size of a crocodile.

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DESI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

The Whitsunday region, including islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is crocodile habitat.

People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and we’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water.

People in Croc Country are urged to be CrocWise, which includes:

  • Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign
  • Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
  • Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
  • Stay well away from crocodile traps – that includes when fishing and boating
  • The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
  • Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
  • Camp as far back from the edge of the water as possible
  • Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
  • Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs
  • Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.