Being Crocwise is the most effective way to reduce your risk of a crocodile attack and allows you to enjoy Queensland’s natural places safely. It means staying aware and choosing safe behaviours around the water in areas where there is crocodile habitat.
Understanding crocodile behaviour
Crocodiles are highly mobile at any time, especially after heavy rain and floods. They can travel hundreds of kilometres in water and can be found in all waterways and oceans within crocodile habitat.
Crocodiles are apex predators that capture their prey using stealth and camouflage. Even very large crocodiles can remain unseen in shallow water.
Their extraordinary sight, smell and other sensory organs alert them to the presence of potential prey. They can attack from any depth of water, including while underwater.
If a crocodile is hunting you, you will not know it.
Being Crocwise starts with three simple steps:
Keep out of the water.
Stay more than 5 metres away from the water’s edge.
Keep a sturdy object between yourself and the water.
Choose Crocwise behaviours to reduce your risk of crocodile attack:
Keep out of the water. A crocodile can attack even if you are in shallow water for a short time.
Stay at least 5m from the water’s edge—crocodiles can attack people and animals at the water’s edge.
Keep a sturdy object like an esky, a tree stump or large rock between yourself and the water.
If you must approach the water, avoid crouching down and never use the same location twice.
Supervise children and keep them away from the water’s edge.
Be extra cautious at night, dusk and dawn. Crocodiles are more likely to hunt at these times and are more difficult to see.
Be aware that crocodile attacks can occur at any time of the year.
Take leftover food, fish scraps or bait home with you or dispose of them in a bin. These food sources attract crocodiles if left near water, camp sites or boat ramps.
Keep pets on a lead and away from the water’s edge.
Stay away from crocodile traps, crocodile nests and places with crocodile tracks and slide marks. Crocodiles may be close by.
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When you're in Croc Country, be Crocwise and stay safe, don't risk your life.
Remember, just because you can't see them doesn't mean they're not there. Treat all waterways as Croc Country.
Crocs can be found in any waterway in the north. Never swim where crocs live and stay away from mudslides on the bank.
Take notice of warning signs and stay well back from the water's edge.
Seeing a crocodile in the wild is an amazing experience. But remember, stay safe, and be Crocwise in Croc Country.