Crocodile warning

It's that time in the Kimberley again when the warning goes out to all people enjoying recreation in and around East Kimberley waterways.

With the onset of the build-up and monsoon, an icon of the Kimberley is waking up and becoming more active again.

The estuarine/saltwater crocodile or 'salty' (crocodylus porosus) is a cunning predator that always has the advantage when in its habitat.

Saltwater crocodiles are most active in the wet and are more aggressive at this time as this is their breeding season and they are looking for mates and new territory.

Salty's are also more actively feeding to build up fat reserves to see them through the dry season, when availability and temperature limit the amount of food they can eat.

Crocodiles have been on Earth for more than 200 million years and have evolved to be the perfect predators in their habitat.

For instance, crocodiles have the ability to sense pressure changes in the water via tiny sensors on the skin above their teeth.

Through these they can sense the struggling movement of prey animals in the water and home in on them.

They also have excellent eyesight, both at night and during the day, with a nictitating membrane that covers the eyeball when submerged.

Crocodiles also have an excellent sense of smell and will haul out of the water up onto a bank if they sense something up there worth investigating.

Campers and fishermen are well advised not to keep smelly perishables near the camp, especially at night.

The presence of saltwater crocodiles is not to be taken lightly and if seen, they should always be given a very wide berth.

People in around the Kimberley waterways need to remain vigilant at all times, especially around popular fishing and camping spots.

Warning signs have been posted at some locations where crocodiles are known to inhabit but never assume that the absence of a crocodile warning sign means the area is safe.

Large saltwater crocodiles have the potential to kill humans, so don't put yourself and your family and friends at risk.

Lakes Kununurra and Argyle are 'crocodile management zones', so any saltwater crocodiles observed in these areas should be reported to the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM).

CALM also has a crocodile safety brochure available at district offices in Kununurra, Broome and Karratha.

These brochures can also be found at most visitor centres around the Kimberley and the NT.

For any further information on crocodiles, call 9168 4200, or call into the CALM East Kimberley office, in Kununurra.