AS THE dry season approaches and Katherinites head for the water, Parks and Wildlife Commission NT rangers are reinforcing the importance of the Be Crocwise message.
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With a Katherine River crocodile trap now visible from the old railway bridge, ranger Joey Buckerfield said it was critical that people took saltwater crocodiles seriously.
In total, 283 of the reptiles were trapped by rangers in 2014, with 15 coming from the four Katherine River management zones.
“This part of the river is a priority zone because of the population density,” he explained.
Although no saltwater crocodile sightings have been reported in the Katherine River since a minor flood warning was issued for it in late March, Mr Buckerfield said it did not mean they were not around.
“We haven’t trapped any this year so far in the Katherine management zone,” he told the Katherine Times.
“There have been no sightings since the river went back down, but we had several before that.
“The reason we have got the trap there just under the High Level Bridge is because that spot gives us the best access as the river drops.”
In March, rangers trapped a 4.38-metre saltwater crocodile in the Daly River, with several caught in the Katherine River management zone in 2014 measuring more than 3.5m.
Mr Buckerfield said that stunning Northern Territory weather went hand in hand with increased saltwater crocodile sightings.
“Especially with the lovely weather we’ve had lately, and as areas become accessible and people want to go camping and fishing, they have to be vigilant around waterholes,” he said.
He added that it was important that if people were not sure if they had spotted a saltwater or a freshwater crocodile, they reported it.
“If they see a crocodile and aren’t sure what sort it is, we encourage them to call us,” he said.
To report a crocodile sighting in the Katherine region, call 0407 958 405.
How to Be Crocwise in the Territory
1. Only swim in safe designated areas.
2. Observe all crocodile warning signed.
3. Do not hang arms or legs out of a boat when in the water.
4. Stand at least five metres from the water’s edge when fishing.
5. Camp at least 2m above the high water mark and at least 50m from the water’s edge.
6. Never interfere with a crocodile trap.
For more information about crocodile safety around Top End waterways, visit parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/becrocwise.
