| Many people have a lot to learn about the dangers | | | | Avoid places where animals or cattle drink. That's |
| of a saltwater crocodile while visiting northern areas | | | | where a crocodile would be waiting for an |
| of Australia. Many encounters are unintentional and | | | | opportunity to attack. Saltwater crocodiles are very |
| often the results are devastating if not fatal. People | | | | conservative with their energy. They stalk their prey |
| should learn more about the crocodile, where they | | | | and hide underwater and wait to pounce. A crocodile |
| breed, how to spot for signs of crocodile, their most | | | | you can see is less dangerous than one you can't |
| active periods of the year and general safety when | | | | see, so stay well away from the water's edge even |
| camping near water. The following information is to | | | | if you are camping, fishing or just going for an |
| help people realize the dangers of swimming in | | | | evening walk. |
| northern Australian waters. | | | | Crocodiles can launch out of the water; never stand |
| Many accidents can be avoided with increased | | | | on logs overhanging water and always keep your |
| awareness. | | | | arms and legs inside a boat when fishing. |
| It's common name, the Saltwater Crocodile, is also | | | | No warning signs? DO NOT SWIM no matter how |
| known as the Estuarine Crocodile and 'Saltie'. They | | | | hot or inviting the conditions may be. The "saltie" is |
| are found around the coast of Australia anywhere | | | | mostly found in saltwater, but they are also found in |
| north of the Tropic of Capricorn and inland for up to | | | | freshwater rivers, billabongs and swamps. Consider |
| 100 kms or more. They are the world's largest reptile | | | | swimming in any northern waters dangerous |
| and have a closing jaw pressure of around 3000 | | | | regardless if there is a sign or not! |
| pounds per square inch. | | | | A crocodile sliding into the water from a river bank |
| Saltwater crocodile attacks DO happen in Australia on | | | | will leave a characteristic mark; keep this in mind |
| a regular basis, though the majority of attacks occur | | | | when setting up camp! Never clean fish at the |
| mainly on cattle and wildlife. Any stories you hear | | | | water's edge or discard fish scraps in the water. Most |
| about these creatures stalking other animals and | | | | important if camping always keep the camp site clean |
| humans, about their size and their strength is | | | | and free from food scraps and any smelly fish bait. |
| probably NOT exaggerated. Many deaths to people | | | | Remember crocodiles are most active at night, food |
| have happened over the years due to them not | | | | scraps and fish bait left outside your camp site can |
| taking the threat seriously enough and ignoring | | | | invite a hungry crocodile and a shocking midnight |
| warning signs. | | | | scare. |
| Always read the "observe crocodile warning signs", | | | | Adult males can reach sizes of up to 6 or 7 metres |
| these are to be taken seriously! They are erected in | | | | (20 to 23 feet). |
| that particular area where a crocodile is frequently | | | | Maximum weight varies, but has been known to |
| spotted and could still be living or even breeding in | | | | exceed 1,000 kg in 18 to 19 foot adults. 5 metre |
| that area. These signs are there to warn the people | | | | adults are closer to 400 to 500 kg. |
| of the risk and should never be ignored! | | | | One of the largest crocodile ever recorded in |
| Just because you don't see a crocodile doesn't mean | | | | Australia was 8 metres 64cm (28ft 4 inches) shot by |
| it's not there! | | | | Krystina Pawloski on the Norman River in North |
| Their breeding season is from September to May and | | | | Queensland in 1957. Never torment or provoke a |
| the warmer weather makes the cold-blooded animals | | | | crocodile. They are a protected animal to stop |
| even faster. Be particularly careful at night! A | | | | poaching and should always be left alone. |
| breeding mother is more aggressive, guarding it's | | | | Always remain crocodile wise when traveling to |
| eggs until they hatch. The nests are made from plant | | | | northern parts of Australia and always keep the |
| matter and mud, and usually found above tide level. | | | | previous information in mind to avoid any tragedies or |
| Keep this in mind when setting up camp or just | | | | loss of life. |
| exploring the bush. | | | | Be safe and enjoy your trip! |