Crocodiles occur throughout Cape York and are important to the ecology of creeks, rivers, wetlands and estuaries.
Whilst called “saltwater crocodiles”, they also occur in freshwater throughout the Cape. Crocodiles can see underwater and have very effective night vision. They can stay submerged for an extended time and do not necessarily emit visible air bubbles to the surface. It is not possible to check for the presence of crocodiles by looking at a creek or billabong.
Crocodiles can launch vertically from the water and can easily scale a river bank for prey.
Human behavior is observed by crocodiles and they adapt their behavior. Beware of cleaning fish in the shallows near a boat ramp or taking water from the same place at a billabong.
Being croc wise on Cape York is simple: stay out of the water and away from the water’s edge in croc country!
