A reported crocodile sighting at tourist hotspot Noosa Heads has prompted an investigation by the state government.
Ross Buckley said he saw a croc at Noosa Spit before alerting emergency services and sharing his story on Facebook on Sunday, while fellow local James Graham said images from his boat sounder appeared to show a crocodile.
A Department of Environment spokesperson said the matter was being taking seriously.
“We are aware of social media reports regarding a reported crocodile sighting today at the Noosa Spit and are investigating the matter further,” they said.
“The Boyne River near Gladstone, some 300km to the north, is commonly considered the southern boundary of typical crocodile habitat.”
“Crocodile sightings should be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. We investigate every crocodile sighting report we receive.”
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The reported sighting comes after reported sightings at Bundaberg and Inskip Point early this year.
The investigation comes after Mr Buckley posted his experience on the Noosa Community Notice Board Facebook page.
“Was out for my usual 6.30am stroll this morning with my dog down along the dog beach at the Noosa Spit, spotted approximately a 3.5 meter crocodile a few meters off the shoreline, just past the bend where the mangroves start,” he said.
“At first I thought it was a bit of driftwood but then it moved.
“I’ve lived here over 30 years and never seen anything like it. I’ve heard a few locals say they have seen one in the same neck of the woods, although I didn’t think much of it … until today it turns out. I owe them an apology. I quickly put the dog on the lead and kept my distance.
“Emergency services have been alerted and are apparently on a search for it now. Just wanted to give a heads-up to all the locals who walk their dogs here early and usually swim around this area: be careful and stay safe.
“Not sure what’s going on with wildlife lately but this gave me a real fright. Definitely won’t be back here for my morning walk.”
Meanwhile, Mr Graham shared footage and photos of what he said appeared to be a crocodile on a boat sounder.
“In the middle of Noosa and I wouldn’t normally do a post like this but tell me that’s not a croc. It’s got the snout and the tail happening. That is bizarre,” he said in the video.
“Near the Noosa Spit and this comes across the sounder … hmm,” he posted on social media.
“Don’t want to be alarmist but that looks a lot like a croc on the sounder here in Noosa to me.
“Ross raised the alarm this morning and I’ll admit I too found it very hard to believe. I know my sounder though. I’ve seen them (crocodiles) on it in rivers north before and simply sharing what I’m seeing … interpret as you wish.”
He also urged caution via posts on local community groups.
“I hope everyone is safe as this crocodile is not to be taken lightly. I hope they can track it, catch it and relocate it in a safe, ordinary fashion.”
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The group Community Representation of Crocodiles also commented about the sighting, on social media.
“Crocodiles in southern waters are actually not uncommon,” it said.
“They are vagrants or strays, and generally stay for a short amount of time and then head back north … there is no evidence to support them breeding further south than Rockhampton due to water temp.
“Going further back, crocs have even been reported in the Logan River.
“Fingers crossed they leave this one to go back home.
“It would no doubt be a younger croc and will be just having a little holiday before the journey home.”
