A two-metre saltwater crocodile has attacked a Staffy dog named Banjo while swimming in the shallow part of a beach in Darwin.

Banjo, who barely escaped the attack, was on a morning walk with his owner Tom Cummins at the popular Casuarina Beach when his owner let him swim in the water.

The crocodile was said to have bit Banjo, holding him in its mouth.


Mr Cummins told NT News that his dog fought back.

Tom said: “He’s a fairly tough dog. He turned around and bit the croc.”

“I think the croc took on more than it could chew. He let go and then Banjo came onto the beach. He looked back and the croc was still there."

“He (Banjo) walked as if nothing happened. He has some pretty bad lacerations but the worst part was the pressure of the jaws.”

Rangers from the Northern Territory Park and Wildlife issued an advisory on Facebook, warning the residents to exercise caution and report any crocodile sightings made in the area.

The post read: “The Crocodile Management Team have so far been unable to locate the croc.”

“If you see a crocodile at Casuarina Coastal Reserve, or anywhere else in Darwin Harbour, please call us as soon as possible on 0419 822 859.”



Populations of the saltwater crocodile have increased in the past 50 years, with an estimated number of individuals jumping from 3,000 to 100,000 thanks to the laws introduced in 1971 that prohibit hunting them.

Experts said that as the population of these crocodiles increases, the sizes of each individual is getting “bigger on average each year as more of them reach maturity”.

It must be noted that the species is the largest living reptile recorded, with males growing up to six metres in length while females could grow up to three metres.

Saltwater crocodiles also have the strongest bite of any living animal.


Have you had any encounters with a saltwater crocodile before? Share your story with us in the comments below!