There have been unconfirmed reports that the dog, which went missing last week, was taken by a large saltwater crocodile.

Senior ranger John Burke confirmed traps had been set along a stretch of the Katherine River in the vicinity but said it was not yet possible to determine whether a freshwater or saltwater crocodile had taken the dog.

“In response to unconfirmed reports of a dog being taken one kilometre  downstream of the Springvale Homestead on Saturday, the Parks and Wildlife Commission 

NT has put in a trap close to where the incident is believed to have occurred, and are regularly conducting spotlight surveys in the area,” he said.

“A large freshwater crocodile resides in the area and would be capable of taking a dog, but we also have not had confirmation of what type of crocodile might have been responsible for the dog’s disappearance."

With the temperature warming up, Mr Burke said it was important to remember that Northern Territory waterways were home to an estimated 100,000 saltwater crocodiles.

“We have 10 traps set along the Katherine River, including one within Nitmiluk National Park, but we can’t guarantee that it is 100 per cent safe to undertake water-based activities,” he said.

“They can see you before you see them.”