A teenager has made a lucky escape after being bitten by a crocodile while fishing with friends south of Cairns.
Seventeen-year-old Dexter was walking through shallow water in a creek on Sunday when he noticed the reptile swim past his foot.
“I was walking through, and the croc was sort of up in the shallow water, up ahead in front of me, and I didn’t see it,” Dexter told 7NEWS.
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“It’s sort of come off the bank and then sort of just laid on my foot for a while, and I’ve said to the boys behind me, I was like ‘don’t move, there’s a croc just sitting on my foot’.”
The teenager tried to remain calm, believing staying still would prevent the crocodile from attacking.
“If we sort of stay relaxed, it shouldn’t hurt us but, then it, yeah, just jumped up out of nowhere and had a go at me,” he said.
The crocodile bit Dexter just below his belly button, leaving a small mark on his lower stomach. He did not require medical assistance.
“He was only small, so I didn’t think too much of it,” Dexter said. “If he was a bit bigger, then, yeah, I would have been worried.”
The group had fished the creek multiple times previously and had never encountered crocodiles in the area, believing it was safe to walk through the water.
Despite the relatively minor injury, the experience has left its mark on the teenager.
“I don’t think I’m ever going back there again,” Dexter said.
Both saltwater and freshwater crocodile species are found in the Cairns region, and inhabit both freshwater streams and brackish creeks.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said crocodiles are likely to get defensive and bite if people disturb them in their habitat, and if they feel cornered.
During last year’s Crocwise campaign, Director Northern Wildlife Operations Lindsay Delzoppo said while “crocodiles are a part of life in northern Queensland” he wants locals to remember to stay safe.
“We want the locals to remember three simple Crocwise tips so they can continue to enjoy the amazing fishing and boating opportunities in tropical north Queensland,” he said.
“Never wade into the water to retrieve a snagged lure, always use a croc-blocker while fishing from the river or beach and if you’re on the water, keep your entire body in the boat.
“If you love fishing, reduce your risk by being Crocwise not complacent, and make sure you remind your family and friends to do the same.”
Research has found the most likely victims of croc attacks are men above the age of thirty who live in north Queensland, with most attacks happening while they’re fishing or boating, according to DETSI.
“The research is clear, and it is local men who are putting themselves at risk of an attack when they’re fishing or boating,” he said.
