5.3m saltwater crocodile captured in Darwin prompts crocodile warning

The recent capture of a monstrous crocodile in Darwin Harbor has reminded people to be ‘crocowise’.

Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife (NTPW) released photos this weekend of a captured saltwater crocodile measuring 4.72 meters, but missing 60cm of tail, which would have made the predator measure more than 5 .3 m.

NTPW warns that this time of year presents an increased danger for crocodiles.

“Wet season rains fill streams, road culverts and billabongs that were empty during the dry season, creating a river highway for crocodiles to move around,” Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife wrote.

“This means you could now unknowingly share your secret dry season fishing spot with an apex predator.

“When fishing from land, make sure you stay at least five meters from the water’s edge.”

The photographed crocodile was captured in April at a popular fishing spot in Darwin Harbour.

“This is one of the largest catches since detailed records were kept,” the organization said.

“Not only was he extremely well fed, but he was also missing what was officially confirmed to be 60 centimeters of tail, meaning he would have measured 5.3 meters.

“It’s a 5.3 meter reminder that the Top End is crocodile country.”

The warning also comes after an angler plunged into crocodile-infested waters shocked a group of fishermen.

The man was spotted at Hope Inlet, Shoal Bay, near Darwin, a popular crocodile spot, in October.

According to Northern Territory Government statistics, 65 of the 339 saltwater crocodiles caught this year were in Hope Inlet.