Park rangers pulled out an angry 2.5m saltie today, while dropping in their traps to resume dry season hostilities with the feared creatures.

Already, it looks like the record 23 tally for last year might be in some danger.

Today's saltie wasn't the biggest they have caught but ranger Chris Heydon said he was "still a man-eater".

At 2.5m, the male saltwater crocodile was found in one of the recently laid traps this morning, less than 20km from the Low Level Bridge at Ballongilly Farm.

Rangers are on the tail of seven crocodiles estimated to measure up to four metres, sighted near popular fishing spots around Katherine recently.

Despite the poor wet season, it seems the crocs are up and about.

A mere three weeks ago, swimmers at the Low Level Bridge had the shock of their lives when their pet dog was taken swiftly by a large saltie.

"It could have easily been one of the children swimming," ranger Heydon said.

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"These are big crocs people are seeing, and just because we have captured one today does not mean it is safe to swim."

For Parks and Wildlife's newest ranger, Cameron Winn, today's croc capture was his second ever.

He joined the team in March, and is learning the ropes quickly.

"People probably expect me to say it is exciting and of course it is, but there is also an element of risk," he said.

"At the end of the day we are dealing with wild animals, so when you pull on the uniform you know you are there to perform a task and get the job done."

Previously working in tourism for Gecko Canoeing and Trekking, becoming a ranger had been a life-long dream.

With a keen interest in wildlife, the 38-year-old said he was grateful for the rare opportunity to work with an "amazing reptile".

Now that the wet season is well and truly over, rangers have begun their crocodile management - so far eight of 14 traps have been set.

"Several reports of problem crocodiles have been received by rangers over the last month. Many of the reports have been around the Low Level and High Level Bridge areas," ranger Heydon said.

Last year, 23 salties were removed from the river.

Following a poor wet season, where below average rainfall was recorded, the river level is low, and it is difficult to predict how many crocodiles will be captured this year, ranger Heydon said.

"We had a bumper year last year, and there are definitely more crocs around.

"The water is low, which means crocodiles have less opportunity to move around, but with seven sightings already it is looking like we will be busy.

"It is a wait and see game, but I certainly wouldn't be swimming," he said.

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