THE chief northern wildlife officer at the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection says there is unusually high crocodile activity for this time of year.

Dr Craig Brien said his department received numerous calls reporting dog attacks across the Douglas Shire and Cairns over the weekend. Two people were also mauled resulting in the death of spearfisherman Warren Hughes.

A Port Douglas man saved his dog from a crocodile on Four Mile Beach on Friday night while two pets were attacked in Cow Bay and Rocky Point.

“We have received several reports of crocodiles attacking dogs at a number of locations,” Brien said.

“Anytime a dog goes near the water and a crocodile is there, a crocodile will attack. Dogs are common prey for crocodiles.

“It’s coming up to a period where crocodiles tend to drop off in activity but it has been a particularly warm and wet year, and those conditions are conducive to crocodiles moving around a bit more.”

Brien said it was a stark reminder that any pet or human entering the water in Far North waters was taking a risk.

“There are a number of crocodiles in North Queensland and any time you jump in the water and go swimming, especially between the hours of dusk and dawn, there’s a very good chance that you could have an encounter with a crocodile,” he said.

“Our advice is that if you are going to go into the water… to go within designated swimming areas and outside the hours of dusk and dawn.”

Have you seen any crocodiles lately? Let us know in the comments below!

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