Scary crocodile photo reveals why Aussie fisherman is 'always on alert'
It's a stark reminder of why a person must stay vigilant around crocodiles.
Fishing comes with it's own set of dangers, especially if you're in crocodile territory, as one vindicated angler revealed this week.
Fisherman Scott had the shock of his life while out chasing Barramundi at a fresh water river near Laura in Far North Queensland on Monday. While reeling in his catch, a massive "male saltwater" crocodile jumped out from the waters edge and stole his fish just metres from where he was standing — a stark reminder of why it's never safe to stand anywhere near the water's edge in Croc Country.
He told Yahoo News Australia he walks back from the edge of the river "for this reason".
"This river is teaming with both freshwater and Saltwater crocs. We are always on the alert for them no matter where I work up here," he said.
So far in 2023 there have been four recorded crocodile attacks in Queensland, with one being fatal. A 65-year-old man was killed in April while near the waters edge fishing with friends.
Crocodiles hunt prey at the water’s edge
The Queensland Government advise that people and their pets should always remain at least five metres away from the edge of water in Croc Country as this is a common place for them to hunt.
Scott shared online that he had moved back because he knew the river was teaming with both fresh and saltwater crocodiles which ultimately meant the Barramundi was the crocodile's meal, not him.
Influencers and tourists don't always listen to warnings
This reminder comes after a spate of people captured online intentionally ignoring the warnings of keeping away from the water in parts of Queensland.
Crocodile wrangler, Tommy Hayes, posted a video in August sharing his frustration with the amount of fishing influencers he saw filming themselves in the water near crocodiles.
“There are crocodile tracks all over the sand and they’re in thigh-deep water,” he said in the clip. “They’re having a laugh.”
In September, two men were also photographed right next to a giant crocodile near Babinda, Queensland with one of the men on his phone standing at the riverbank.
Other ways 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. There are a multitude of things a person can do to stay safe where possible.
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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