13.7-Foot-Long Crocodile That Possibly Ate a Pet Dog Caught by Authorities After Attacking Houseboat; How Common Are These Croc Attacks?

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Authorities captured a 13.7-foot-long crocodile after it was within inches of attacking a dweller of a houseboat.

Crocodile Captured After Attack

The massive crocodile lunged itself to the houseboat within Cardwell marina, in Northern Queensland in Australia. Dean Grieve, the owner of the houseboat, was just narrowly able to avoid the croc's maw.

Following the incident's reporting to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation in Queensland, wildlife officers crocodile on May 13 using a baited trap.

Ella Meever, the wildlife officer of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, explains that it is crucial for every croc sighting to be reported to them, as this could help them better understand the behavior and location of the animals. Wildlife officers typically investigate each croc sighting report received. The information from the public also aids with people's safety.

As part of the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, all crocodiles that exhibit dangerous behavior are automatically targeted to be removed.

This crocodile is also believed to have taken and attacked the pet dog of Grieve several weeks before the houseboat attack took place.

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Croc Sightings and Attacks

The animal was likely a saltwater crocodile, the biggest species of crocodile. They can reach a length of 20 feet and are found across northern Australia and much of Southeast Asia.

Saltwater crocodiles are considered the world's most deadly croc. All over the world, roughly 1,000 people are killed each year because of them.

In Australia, it is estimated that 200,000 dwell within waterways. One person is also estimated to get attacked annually, while there is one death every few years.

Crocs in Cardwell Marina

Just a few days before this happened, a 10-foot crocodile was also found trapped within the same marina last May 8. These crocodiles are believed to have gone into the marina and hung around boats because of how they could have been deliberately fed or of attraction to the fishing bait that has been discarded.

Lindsay Delzoppo, the director of the Northern Wildlife Operations of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation of Queensland, explains that they observed that the marina had no turtles and just relatively few fish. Hence, other attractants could have lured the crocs into the marina.

Delzoppo shares that their staff was able to observe baited crab pots within the marina's pontoons. This could have been what caught the crocodile's attention, as they have an incredible sense of smell that enables them to detect animal carcasses or prey from far distances.

Since the crocodiles are hanging around the marina due to food, officials urge people within Croc County to dispose of unwanted fish bait and frames properly at home or inside bins provided at boat ramps. The crocodiles could become accustomed to the free food they receive and may approach people and exhibit aggressive behavior.

Both crocodiles will be kept temporarily in the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. Because of their sizes, they will be handled as "icon" crocs.

Avoiding Croc Encounters

The Department also advises that crocodiles could be present in every waterway, even if there are no warning signs. Since these creatures can venture into the ocean, it is crucial to be vigilant when close to water, especially at night.

Officials also say that using smaller vessels heightens encounter risk, implying avoiding them is best. During fishing, keeping a distance from the water's edge and avoiding wading in for lure retrieval is also essential. Camping away from the water is also important, as well as never leaving fish scraps, bait, and food close to the water, boat ramps, and campsites.