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Crocodile family’s gruesome discovery prompts Australians to ‘be ever vigilant’

Posted on by Josh L
Crocodile family’s gruesome discovery prompts Australians to ‘be ever vigilant’

Shocking footage from a drone captured the moment a huge four-meter crocodile floats down a Queensland river with his beloved dog in his mouth.

Rottweiler owners just realized theirs the puppy was taken by a crocodile after viewing the footage on Facebook on Monday. They believe the 16-month-old puppy, named Nigel, was attacked from the front of their Port Curtis property just hours earlier.

The heartwarming video was taken by Belgian tourist Minko de Bruyn, who said the “crazy” footage of the “giant” crocodile was captured over the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

“It’s only a matter of time before something worse happens,” Nigel’s family told 7News.

But John Lever, a crocodile expert and owner of Koorana Crocodile Farm near Rockhampton, told Yahoo News that a dog attack does not mean an increased risk to humans.

“Crocodiles are water feeders, so whether it’s a dog or a pig or a person at the water’s edge, of course there’s a risk if there are crocodiles,” he said. “They are increasing in number, so everyone should be vigilant.

“Essentially, if you think of them as water feeders and as carnivores — obviously any meat that’s hanging around the water’s edge is a potential harm to them.”

Lever said crocodiles also eat more food in the warmer months.

“This is the time of the year when they metabolize the best and digest food the fastest, so they eat more food than at any other time of the year,” he said.

A crocodile holds a black animal in its mouth while swimming in a river. It was later determined that the animal was a dog.A crocodile holds a black animal in its mouth while swimming in a river. It was later determined that the animal was a dog.

The 16-month-old puppy is believed to have been taken from the backyard of his home in Curtis Point. Source: Facebook/Minco de Bruin

Queensland’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said it was aware of the video and was reminding residents and visitors to the region to drive through the crocus.

“We are aware of a crocodile that killed a dog in the lower reaches of the Fitzroy River and we have reviewed the video that is being shared online and we understand how distressing this must have been for the pet’s owners,” the department said in a statement.

“Crocodiles are top predators, using ambush tactics such as lying and waiting at the water’s edge to capture their prey.

“We urge everyone in Crocodile Country to keep themselves, family members and pet dogs away from the body of water. No body of water in the country of crocodiles can be considered free of crocodiles.”

A crocodile holds a dead dog in its mouth after ambushing the animal on the banks of the Fitzroy River.A crocodile holds a dead dog in its mouth after ambushing the animal on the banks of the Fitzroy River.

Experts say despite the dog attack, the risk to humans has not increased. Source: Facebook/Minco de Bruin

The Department encourages everyone in the Country of Steps to:

  • Expect crocodiles in all waterways, even if there are no warning signs

  • Obey all warning signs – they are there for your safety

  • Be aware that crocodiles also swim in the ocean, and be especially careful around the water at night

  • Stay away from crocodile traps, including fishing and boating

  • The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks

  • Stay away from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve your bait

  • Place the camp at a distance of at least 50 meters from the edge of the water

  • Never leave food, leftover fish, or bait near water, campsites, or boat ramps

  • Never provoke, chase or feed crocodiles

  • Always supervise children near water and keep pets on a leash.

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