Original story by Alyse Edwards, ABC News
Queensland's Environment Department is trying to trap two crocodiles in the Mary River on the Fraser Coast.
Rangers have been trying to catch the 3.5 metre croc since April, but now another 2.6 metre 'saltie' has been spotted near Maryborough on Wednesday.
The big croc lazes on the banks of the Mary River near Maryborough in May 2012. Photo: Brad Marsellos, ABC Wide Bay
Environment Minister Andrew Powell says the two crocs were seen floating about 100 metres apart,
"Our elusive Mary croc has come up with a friend and one of our officers literally saw both crocodiles on either side of his boat," he said.
Mr Powell says it is unusual to see the reptiles so far south.
"Sightings south of the Boyne River are extremely rare, and the policy is if a crocodile is sighted, regardless of size, regardless of behaviour, it will be removed," he said.
"We will make every effort to do so - they're significantly south of what we consider the most southern reaches of crocodile populations."
Saltwater crocodiles
- One of two species in Australia - saltwater [Crocodylus porosus] and freshwater [Crocodylus johnsoni] - but both can live in either fresh or salt water
- 'Croc country' typically reaches as far south as the Boyne River near Gladstone, 500km north of Brisbane
- Crocs mostly live in tidal reaches of rivers but also move in lagoons, rivers, and swamps up to hundreds of kilometres inland
- An average male may be 3-4m long and weigh 200-300kg. Females rarely reach over 3.5m and weigh up to 150kg.
- More aggressive in breeding season, which runs from September to April
Sources: Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency [now Environment and Heritage Protection].
Mr Powell says baited traps have been set in the river to catch the two reptiles.
He says the traps have so far failed to catch the larger crocodile since it was first sighted in April last year.
"As approached by humans and boats, it is appearing very timid," he said.
Residents warned to be cautious
He says rangers will continue with trapping attempts but locals should be cautious near the river.
"In the meantime, I do encourage all residents in that area to be very croc-wise - to stay away from the water, to keep their domestic pets away from the water," he said.
"If casting nests, to step back from the water and if they do see any sightings, let us know.
"In this instance it's a fairly smaller crocodile, but it does demonstrate that there could be more there and people need to be very aware and alert."
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