Queensland Parks and Wildlife rangers investigating a reported crocodile sighting at Noosa have found no evidence of the creature.
The investigation was prompted after a fisher reported possible crocodile images on a boat’s depth sounder to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DESTI).
The search was conducted yesterday, with a follow-up search around Noosa Spit planned for today.
A DETSI media release said while no sign of a crocodile was found, it still urged people to exercise caution.
“While the investigation is ongoing, people are asked to be vigilant around the water,” it said.
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“The Noosa area is considered atypical crocodile habitat, and any crocodile confirmed to be present will be targeted for removal from the wild.
“Anyone who sees what they believe to be a crocodile in the Noosa area is encouraged to make a sighting report as soon as possible.”
Academics told Sunshine Coast News early this year that there was no evidence to suggest crocodiles were expanding into southern Queensland now, but they admitted it could happen.
“There is not currently any evidence to suggest the croc population is moving south in Queensland, though that doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen in the future,” University of Queensland research assistant Kaitlin Barham said.
“It is possible that future climate warming may push their range southwards.”
She said recently reported crocs at Bundaberg and Inskip Point were outliers.
“Estuarine crocodiles are very mobile and capable of travelling long distances, up to hundreds of kilometres over weeks and months, so it is not unheard of for vagrant individuals to be spotted further south than croc country,” she said.
“These vagrants might be looking to establish a territory in a suitable area.”
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.
