Crocodile stalking dog on Aussie beach captured in 'rare' footage

Incredible footage has been captured of a crocodile wading in the shallows at an Aussie beach, watching a dog walking along the water's edge.

Jerry Ahmat was filming with his drone at Seisia Wharf in Cape York, in Far North Queensland when he caught sight of the large crocodile watching an unaware pet dog hanging out on the sand. "My partner and I tried to chase [the dog] away from the water," Jerry told Yahoo News Australia.

While this stranger's dog was lucky enough to escape unharmed, Jerry revealed this was rare footage of something that "actually happens" in the area "every day". "Usually people use leashes, but my dogs know not to go near the water," he said.

The dog was labelled "lucky" by many locals online with some sharing this is exactly why they don't take their canines near the ocean. "That is one lucky dog. We don't take ours to the beach for this reason," one said.

"Four dogs were eaten while we were at Seisia! It's the norm, unfortunately," another claimed.

Crocodiles hunt prey at the water’s edge

The Queensland Government advises people and their pets should always remain at least five metres away from the edge of the water in "Croc Country" as this is a common place for them to hunt.

"Crocodiles are apex predators that use ambush tactics, such as lying and waiting at the water’s edge, to capture their prey," it says.

Cape York, where the video was filmed, sits well within "Croc Country" — which takes up a large portion of Queensland's coastline and most of the far north of the state.

• Woman accidentally films croc right beneath her at swimming spot: 'I paused'

• Incredible rescue of man found 'shaking' in tree in croc-infested floodwaters

• Hidden danger that 'can and will kill you' in Aussie waterways

Watch the footage below:

How to stay safe near crocodiles

Staying clear of the water's edge isn't the only way to keep out of danger when you're near a crocodile's habitat. Other ways include:

• Remember, even if you can't see a crocodile in the water, they may still be there and can stay concealed underwater for over an hour.

• Night time, dusk and dawn are crocodiles' most active times.

• Crocs love food scraps so disposing of food and bait helps keep yourself and others safe.

• Avoid using kayaks, paddleboards, or any smaller water vessel that make it easier for crocodiles to get at you.

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