A Far North Queensland teenager is counting his blessings after a frightening encounter with a crocodile during a fishing trip south of Cairns ended with a lucky escape.
A Startling Encounter in the Creek
Seventeen-year-old Dexter was wading through shallow water in a local creek with his friends on Sunday when the unexpected happened. The reptile swam past his foot before emerging from the bank and settling on top of it.
"I was walking through, and the croc was sort of up in the shallow water, up ahead in front of me, and I didn't see it," Dexter told 7NEWS. Realising the danger, he warned his companions, saying, "don't move, there's a croc just sitting on my foot."
Remaining Calm Before the Attack
The teenager's first instinct was to stay perfectly still, hoping his calm demeanour would prevent the animal from becoming aggressive. He believed that if they remained relaxed, the crocodile would not hurt them.
"But then it, yeah, just jumped up out of nowhere and had a go at me," Dexter recounted. The crocodile bit him just below the belly button, leaving a small mark on his lower stomach. Fortunately, the injury was minor, and he did not require any medical assistance.
Reflecting on the size of the animal, Dexter noted, "He was only small, so I didn't think too much of it. If he was a bit bigger, then, yeah, I would have been worried."
A Wake-Up Call for Local Fishers
The group had fished in that particular creek multiple times before and had never seen crocodiles in the area, leading them to believe it was safe to walk through the water. The experience has profoundly changed Dexter's perspective.
"I don't think I'm ever going back there again," he stated.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that both saltwater and freshwater crocodile species inhabit the Cairns region, found in freshwater streams and brackish creeks. The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) emphasises that crocodiles are likely to become defensive and bite if disturbed in their habitat or if they feel cornered.
Research from DETSI reveals that the most likely victims of crocodile attacks are men over the age of thirty who live in north Queensland, with most incidents occurring while they are fishing or boating.
During the recent Crocwise campaign, Director of Northern Wildlife Operations, Lindsay Delzoppo, urged locals to remain vigilant. "We want the locals to remember three simple Crocwise tips so they can continue to enjoy the amazing fishing and boating opportunities in tropical north Queensland," he said.
The essential safety advice includes:
- Never wade into the water to retrieve a snagged lure.
- Always use a croc-blocker while fishing from the river or beach.
- If you're on the water, keep your entire body inside the boat.
"If you love fishing, reduce your risk by being Crocwise not complacent, and make sure you remind your family and friends to do the same," Mr Delzoppo concluded.
