The Department of Parks and Wildlife is reminding residents and visitors to be on alert for an estuarine (saltwater) crocodile believed to be in Lake Kununurra.
There have been two confirmed sightings of the 2.5-3m crocodile inside the Lake Kununurra crocodile risk mitigation area in the last month.
East Kimberley district manager Mathew Byers said the department was continuing efforts to locate and remove the animal, but it was proving elusive.
“Warning signs have been placed at the lake’s popular swimming spots and we urge adults, their children and pets to stay out of the water and away from the water’s edge in all areas upstream from Crossing Falls boat ramp,” Mr Byers said.
Estuarine crocodiles are highly mobile animals that can move great distances over land and in the water.
Parks and Wildlife staff have installed a crocodile trap in the vicinity of the last sighting and are conducting regular patrols.
“The second sighting was in a similar area to the first so we are hopeful of being able to track down the crocodile,” Mr Byers said.
“If members of the public see a crocodile please take note of the location and immediately report it to the Parks and Wildlife office in Kununurra on 9168 4200,” Mr Byers said.
Estuarine and freshwater crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.
They live in coastal rivers and creek systems, and often occur in open sea and around islands. Estuarine crocodiles also move inland along major rivers, floodplains, billabongs and into freshwater, rivers, creeks and swamps, which are habitats mostly associated with freshwater crocodiles.
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