Rangers have trapped a saltwater crocodile in the middle of Katherine after trying for 19 years.
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It is the second saltie caught in the local area in past three days – all close to popular Katherine River swimming holes.
Today’s 2.56 metre male croc was trapped just 200 metres downstream from the High Level Bridge at Katherine.
NT Parks and Wildlife rangers said it was the first capture in that trap for almost two decades.
And on Monday rangers found a 3.1 metre female crocodile just two kilometres downstream from the Low Level Crossing where people regularly swim.
Senior wildlife ranger John Burke said despite the expected record heat this weekend, people should avoid swimming in the Katherine River.
The rangers saw the trap gate, baited with a pigs head, open this morning on their way to another job and were hoping to find another female crocodile, which they catch fewer of.
“We were shocked to find the second croc in this part of the water when we took the boat up,” Mr Burke said.
Wildlife rangers Chris Heydon and Erin Britton pulled the croc from the trap in just 20 minutes and said it wasn’t too difficult.
“He put on a tough act trying to act bigger than his size, but they all do that,” Ms Britton said.
This is the fifth saltwater crocodile rangers have caught this year in the area.
And rangers are expecting that number to increase with the ongoing hot weather.
“Their metabolism kicks in when this hot weather racks up and they head to the traps for a feed,” Mr Burke said.
Again rangers are warning swimmers to only swim in designated swimming spots.
“We are pretty confident that the big crocs we found in the gorge swam past the high level bridge at some point,” Mr Burke said.
“But we keep seeing people having a fish and a wallow around here,” he said.
With the incredible power of crocodiles no matter their size, rangers are warning people to stay vigilant around water ways.
“And to keep an eye on your mates, Katherine,” ranger John said.