Crocodile attacks dog in North West

A crocodile up to four metres long has reportedly attacked a dog at the May River Crossing, east of Derby.

The dog was in the water on Tuesday when it was grabbed by the reptile but was able to escape with only minor wounds.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife has reminded people to be on alert at the popular site.

Parks and Wildlife senior operations officer David Woods said the lucky escape was a timely reminder for residents not to get complacent about crocodiles.

Mr Woods said the crossing at Meda Station was frequented by Derby residents - despite knowing that saltwater crocodiles were in the area over the last 12 months.

He said there was still a level of complacency and people continue to swim in the area.

“With the long weekend coming up, we are expecting more visitors to the site, and we urge people not to take any risks with their personal safety,” Mr Woods said.

Parks and Wildlife now intends to install warning signs at the crossing.

Mr Woods also reminded people to take care when launching or retrieving boats, and cleaning fish or discarding fish scraps near the water’s edge on the May River and across the region.

He said saltwater crocodiles were highly mobile and could move great distances over land and in the water.

They are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and live in coastal rivers and creek systems, and often appear in open sea and around islands.

Saltwater crocodiles also move inland along major rivers, floodplains, billabongs and into freshwater.