A suspected saltwater crocodile was reported hundreds of kilometers upstream from its usual habitat after a dog was captured near Richmond, in what experts say would be a rare domestic sighting if confirmed.
Richmond County Mayor John Wharton said he believed the crocodile took the dog while it was with its owner at the junction of Croydon Road, north of the town, on Monday evening.
Richmond is approximately 660 kilometers from Karumba in the Gulf of Carpentaria, where saltwater crocodiles are most commonly found.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said it had received a report of a possible sighting of a saltwater crocodile in the Flinders River and had launched an investigation. Warning signs will also be posted throughout the area as a precaution.
A department spokesman said the Flinders River was outside the normal range of saltwater crocodiles and that every reported sighting was thoroughly investigated.
Zoologist Graham Webb from Darwin Crocodile Park said a saltwater crocodile traveling so far upstream would be rare but not impossible.
“This may seem unusual, especially if they have never seen a crocodile there, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.”
Professor Webb said.
He said there were still “several ifs” that needed to be confirmed, including whether it was a saltwater crocodile and whether it was responsible for the dog’s abduction.
Mr Wharton said he believed the attack was related to the behavior of a saltwater crocodile rather than the freshwater crocodiles commonly found in the area.
“Freshwater crocodiles don’t do that, and the river is full of fresh fish and no one has ever bothered with the fresh ones,” he said.
“So it must be salty.”
John Wharton reported a suspected saltwater crocodile after a dog was stolen. (Attached: John Wharton)
Professor Webb said investigators should remain open-minded until more evidence was collected.
He said freshwater crocodiles became more territorial at this time of year and, although unusual, larger freshwater crocodiles were able to grab a dog.
However, he said saltwater crocodiles are “known for catching dogs.”
If the animal turns out to be a saltwater crocodile, Professor Webb said recent flood waters could explain how it reached Richmond.
“The movement of saltwater crocodiles upstream is really unpredictable,”
– he said.
“There are long-distance movements upstream, but they’re usually just strange animals.”
The Lower Flinders River Crossing is popular with swimmers, fishermen and holidaymakers. (Attached: John Wharton)
Mr Wharton said recent flooding and high river levels could also have contributed.
“Many years ago we caught sawfish here on the Flinders,” he said.
“These things work in big years.”
The incident took place at Bottom Crossing, a popular holiday destination on the Flinders River.
Mr Wharton said the young woman was chasing pigs with her dog when she went into the water.
“There was a big noise and splash, the dog screamed and it was all over.”
– he said.
The mayor said the council was quick to alert the community as the pond was regularly used by families.
Experts say the sighting of a saltwater crocodile reaching Richmond would be unusual if confirmed. (Attached: John Wharton)
“I was just walking along the river here and there are little bonfires and motorcycle trails and a lot of kids come to swim,” he said.
“We have to get them out immediately and it’s very dangerous.”
Professor Webb urged people to stay away from the river until authorities determine what happened.
“If anyone thinks it’s a saltwater crocodile, I wouldn’t swim there until someone checks it out and figures out what’s going on,” he said.