Crocodile incident, Bloomfield

Issued: 23 Feb 2023

Wildlife Officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) will target the crocodile involved in yesterday’s incident at Ayton, 50km south of Cooktown, for removal.

Initial investigations indicate that at around 5.30pm yesterday, a man and his dog entered the water at the Bloomfield boat ramp at Ayton when a crocodile lunged forward, biting the man’s leg and dragging the dog into the water.

The man sustained lower leg injuries which required medical assistance. The status of the dog is unknown.

DES wildlife officers from Cairns are travelling to Ayton to prepare to remove the crocodile.

DES is liaising with Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and the Queensland Police Service to gather information to assist with the ongoing response.

This is the first crocodile attack on a human in Queensland since November 2021, when a man was attacked at the McIvor River, 50km north of Cooktown

This incident is a timely reminder for people to be Crocwise in croc country and not to be complacent with their own safety or the safety of their family or pets when they are in or near the water.

Members of the public are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings to the department as soon as possible by using the QWildlife App for smart phones or by calling 1300 130 372. DES investigates all reports it receives.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the Bloomfield boat ramp is in Zone E, which means that any crocodile displaying dangerous behaviour is targeted for removal.

The Bloomfield River is well known Croc Country and people in that area are reminded to be Crocwise at all times. In particular:

  • Expect crocodiles in ALL waterways even if there is no warning sign
  • Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
  • Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
  • Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating
  • The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
  • Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
  • Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water
  • Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, camp site or boat ramp
  • Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
  • Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.