Home Australia One detail in this photo of a crocodile that has Aussies ‘freaking out’

One detail in this photo of a crocodile that has Aussies ‘freaking out’

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Locals were stunned to see the crocodile battling the waves on a popular Queensland beach, outside the boundaries of what the state considers

A photo of a crocodile battling the waves on a popular beach shocked locals and sparked an urgent search for the reptile.

The crocodile was reportedly seen five times on Thursday at Coonarr Beach at the mouth of the Elliott River near Bundaberg in central Queensland.

Jasmine Van Den Bos was stunned to see the crocodile fighting the ocean waves while she was taking her dog for a walk.

“I just couldn’t believe my eyes… (it was) just a shock,” he told alphabet.

“I was going crazy.”

Mrs Van Den Bos, who has swum at the beach many times, said the presence of the crocodile means she might stop swimming for a while.

David Andreoli said he saw the crocodile’s head poking out of the water while walking with his wife on the beach.

The reptile, which he said was between five and six feet long, “turned around and went back into the ocean” as they got closer.

Locals were stunned to see the crocodile battling the waves on a popular Queensland beach, outside the boundaries of what the state considers “Croc Country” (pictured).

The crocodile is currently outside the boundaries of what is considered ‘Croc Country’ in Queensland.

These known saltwater crocodile habitats begin in the River Boyne south of Gladstone and extend north to the Torres Strait and across Cape York Peninsula.

Crocodiles sometimes venture outside of Croc Country, however sightings are rare.

The Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said in a statement they are investigating the reported crocodile sightings.

Wildlife officer Alexander Peters said officials are contacting locals who made reports and that warning signs about the sightings will be installed on the beach.

He explained that when crocodiles are sighted on a beach or in a river, the reptiles move from one estuary to another, making them difficult to track.

“As part of our investigation, wildlife officials will conduct site assessments, including boat-based searches and highlight assessments of the area,” he said.

“While the investigation is underway, people in the Wide Bay region should be alert around the water, which means keeping children close and keeping dogs away from the water’s edge.”

Reports of crocodile sightings at Coonarr Beach (pictured) are outside areas considered 'Croc Country' in Queensland.

Reports of crocodile sightings at Coonarr Beach (pictured) are outside areas considered ‘Croc Country’ in Queensland.

The last known confirmed sighting of the reptile outside of Croc Country was when two large crocodiles were removed from the Mary River in 2013 and 2014.

Crocodile sightings can be reported using the QWildlife app or by completing a crocodile sighting report on the department’s website.

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