The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is reminding Broome residents and visitors to exercise caution, with estuarine crocodiles recently sighted in the area.
DEC wildlife officer Peter Carstairs said a crocodile was observed at Crab Creek on 8 June and another at Willie Creek on 18 June. Both animals were basking and did not show any signs of aggression.
“Estuarine crocodiles are seen from time-to-time in the Broome area, including Roebuck Bay and associated river and creek systems,” Mr Carstairs said.
“People should remain vigilant around water systems where known or suspected crocodiles are located and heed DEC crocodile warning signs.
“These signs are put in place to alert visitors to the presence of estuarine crocodiles.”
Estuarine crocodiles are highly mobile animals that can move long distances over land and in the water. They also occupy areas such as billabongs that may not be connected to main watercourses.
Mr Carstairs said there were common sense precautions people could take to reduce the risk of a crocodile attack:
• Seek expert advice about crocodiles before swimming, camping, fishing or boating in estuaries, tidal rivers, mangrove habitats or deep pools.
• Large estuarine crocodiles have no fear of humans; they are often inquisitive and will swim towards boats. Leave the area immediately if you see one.
• Be aware – keep your eyes open for crocodiles. Children and pets are at particular risk in the water, or at the water’s edge.
• Do not paddle, clean fish, prepare food or camp at the water’s edge. Fill a bucket with water and do your chores at least 50m away.
• Dispose of food scraps and fish offal properly and away from your campsite.
• Returning daily or regularly to the same spot at the water’s edge is dangerous.
• Stand a few metres back from the water’s edge when fishing.
• Do not lean over the edge of a boat or stand on logs overhanging water.
• Be especially vigilant when launching and retrieving your boat in estuarine crocodile habitat.
Estuarine crocodiles are specially protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, and illegal killing or harming of crocodiles carries fines of up to $10,000.
Aggressive crocodiles should be reported immediately to the DEC Broome
Media contact: DEC media 6467 5555
Facebook: www.facebook.com/decwa
Twitter: @DECWesternAus
