logo
ENع
Hughenden's freshwater crocodile Houdini has found a friend, locals say

Hughenden's freshwater crocodile Houdini has found a friend, locals say

Australia Broadcast Center 19 hours ago

Locals in a small north Queensland town say resident crocodile Houdini has found himself a friend.
High school captain Lake McDonald believes pictures he has taken prove there are now two freshwater crocodiles living in Hughenden's lake.
"We got out of the car, as and we got closer to the lake I noticed [the new crocodile] was smaller than what we'd seen before," the 17-year-old said.
"I'd taken some photos [of both] and they do not look the same in person at all."
For months Hughenden locals have been adjusting to life with their first reptilian resident.
"We saw the first earlier this year when we had our school's cross-country race around the lake," Lake said.
Freshwater crocodiles are endemic to northern Australia and are commonly found in river systems north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
They differ in size, temperament and snout shape to saltwater crocodiles.
Sightings of a second freshwater crocodile in the Hughenden Recreational Lake began after significant rain in March, according to Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle.
"We have not one, but two crocodiles now," she said.
"There's a lot of comparisons going on at the moment — counting the scales and looking at the necks and how thick they are.
"We're not sure entirely how long he or she has been in there, but we suspect it potentially has come down through the rain."
Both of Hughenden's resident "freshies" will stay in place as the council examines ways to coexist with them in peace.
Cr Peddle said officers from the Department of Environment, Science, Tourism, Science and Innovation advised that the crocodiles could not be relocated because they were a protected species.
There is no human fatality caused by a freshwater crocodile on record, but in 2022, a woman was left with a laceration to her arm after she was bitten while canoeing with her family in the Ross River, near Townsville.
Cr Peddle said the council would consult with the community about whether they would like to see precautionary signs put up at the lake.
Hughenden resident Zeena Lauder thought that was important.
"It is a good idea, especially for tourists who are unaware," she said.
"I am concerned that one could be a girl and one could be a boy, which could cause an issue."
Lake said he felt comfortable with the crocodiles around.

Hashtags

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store