Wildlife officers are searching for a crocodile after several reported sightings of it in the Inskip Point area.
The estimated 2m reptile was first observed by a ranger on the beach in front of the Sarawak camping area on Monday.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has since received four additional sighting reports of the crocodile in the area.
Crocodiles generally aren’t seen south of about Gladstone.
Video taken by camper Chris Kelly, on Monday, appears to show a crocodile swimming close to the beach near the barge landing.
Senior wildlife officer Joshua Morris said wildlife officers conducted land-based searches on Monday and Tuesday, and used a drone, but did not confirm the presence of the animal with poor weather conditions hampering their search.
“Wildlife officers will conduct further land and water-based searches today, including an intensive vessel-based spotlight search tonight,” he said.
“We believe this is the same crocodile that was recently seen in the Bundaberg region on January 23.
“We thank the people who provided the sighting reports and urge anyone who sees what they believe to be a crocodile to make a sighting report as soon as possible.
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“Fishers and people on the beach are an extra set of eyes in the search for this crocodile.
“Rangers have installed crocodile warning signs at key locations and will continue to provide advice to people in camping areas in the Inskip Point region.
“This crocodile has fled into the water at the sight of people and has so far avoided crowded beaches, but we still need people to be vigilant around the water.
“Make considered choices when it comes to swimming and use a barrier such as an esky when fishing from the beach.
“We believe the crocodile might head back north to its habitat when weather conditions improve, but if it stays in the South-East Queensland region, it will be removed from the wild.”
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
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