MORNINGTON Shire Council has issued a warning after a large saltwater crocodile was spotted on a popular local beach, one of two salties believed to be in the area.
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People are encouraged to exercise caution in the area, with reports that a dog has been taken last week, possibly a victim of one of the crocs.
The crocodile has been sighted on multiple occasions in the channel opposite the Mornington Island boat ramp and is estimated to be almost five metres long from a photo taken from over 400 metres away.
Mornington Shire Council has written to crocodile experts seeking help for dealing with two crocodiles at what is a very popular recreation area.
“One of the crocodiles is 4.5 metres long or larger and is becoming increasingly aggressive,” the council wrote in its letter to croc experts.
“There have been over ten sightings near the local boat ramp which is a popular swim channel.”
Council said a local dog was taken two weeks ago.
“Our offices have notified the EHP and Qld Parks and Wildlife Services, however have not yet had any swift action from these groups despite our growing concerns for community safety,” council said.
The council is seeking help to get “the beautiful apex predators” relocated as soon as possible.
Local consultation has also indicated crocodiles never used to be quite this prevalent in the area.
And now there are concerns numbers of crocodiles are increasing which is forcing the larger male crocodiles into new areas for territorial reasons.
Council said this could have implications for a remote community that is traditionally reliant on the seas for foods.
Last year Council urged residents to stay away from the main swimming and fishing area between Mornington Island and Denim Island over crocodile concerns when two large salties were seen sunning themselves on the foreshore and crossing the channel between the islands.