Are tourists risking their lives at this notorious Aussie crossing? Shocking behaviours revealed!
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Australia is renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, but with such natural beauty comes inherent dangers, particularly when it comes to the country's waterways. One such place is Cahill's Crossing in the Northern Territory, a notorious hotspot for crocodile activity within the breathtaking Kakadu National Park. Despite the clear and present danger posed by the roughly 10,000 crocodiles that call this area home, tourists and locals alike continue to exhibit risky behaviour that has many shaking their heads in disbelief.
The crossing, which has a reputation for being one of Australia's deadliest due to its dense crocodile population, has been the scene of numerous close calls and tragic incidents. With an estimated five to nine crocs per kilometre, the risk of an encounter is incredibly high. Yet, a recent video has surfaced showing a group of people, including a young child, fishing mere meters away from 'close to 10 visible, large crocs within 50 meters.' This reckless behaviour has sparked outrage among locals and wildlife experts who are all too familiar with the potential consequences.
The video, shared by Cyaround Australia Tours and local tour guide David MacMahon, captures a child in a green T-shirt and hat playing dangerously close to the water's edge, a spot where crocodiles are frequently seen and where fatalities have occurred in the past. MacMahon, who has witnessed his fair share of 'remarkably stupid behaviour' at the crossing, expressed his frustration to Yahoo News Australia, emphasising the simplicity of staying safe: 'They live in the water, and we stay on land, a couple of meters back. That’s all it takes.'
The family in question was reportedly having a picnic on the road, with the children constantly at the water's edge, showing a lack of 'crocodile sense.' This term, perhaps unfamiliar to those outside of crocodile territory, refers to the awareness and respect for the power and danger of these ancient predators. The tour company warned that it was 'only a matter of time' before a tragedy occurred if such behaviour continued.
The Northern Territory boasts the world's largest wild crocodile population, with more than 100,000 of these formidable creatures in the wild, and an estimated 10 per cent found at Cahills Crossing. Local Rodney Fischer noted that croc numbers seem to be increasing, a sign of the species returning to a healthy population level after being hunted in the past. This resurgence, while positive for the crocodile population, underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution among humans sharing their habitat.
Similar incidents of risky behaviour have been reported at Cape Tribulation in northeast Queensland, where British tourists were recently criticised for fishing on the riverbank, dangerously close to a known 'large saltie.' The consequences of such actions were made starkly clear earlier this month when a Queensland crocodile, believed to have attacked a tourist, was killed by authorities after 'human remains' were found inside it.
The message from wildlife experts and locals is clear: we must do better to stay 'crocwise.' This means respecting the power of these animals, adhering to safety guidelines, and teaching others to do the same. Ignoring the risks not only endangers human lives but can also lead to negative repercussions for the crocodiles, such as culls, which are often called for in the aftermath of an attack.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, many of us have a deep appreciation for Australia's weird and wonderful environment. We understand the importance of coexisting with our native wildlife while also prioritising safety. It's crucial to remember that when visiting such areas, we are in the crocodiles' territory, and it is our responsibility to behave in a way that ensures the safety of ourselves, our families, and the animals that inhabit these wild spaces.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Have you visited Cahill's Crossing or other crocodile-inhabited areas? How do you ensure your safety while enjoying Australia's natural wonders? Let's continue the conversation and spread awareness about staying safe in crocodile country.
The crossing, which has a reputation for being one of Australia's deadliest due to its dense crocodile population, has been the scene of numerous close calls and tragic incidents. With an estimated five to nine crocs per kilometre, the risk of an encounter is incredibly high. Yet, a recent video has surfaced showing a group of people, including a young child, fishing mere meters away from 'close to 10 visible, large crocs within 50 meters.' This reckless behaviour has sparked outrage among locals and wildlife experts who are all too familiar with the potential consequences.
The video, shared by Cyaround Australia Tours and local tour guide David MacMahon, captures a child in a green T-shirt and hat playing dangerously close to the water's edge, a spot where crocodiles are frequently seen and where fatalities have occurred in the past. MacMahon, who has witnessed his fair share of 'remarkably stupid behaviour' at the crossing, expressed his frustration to Yahoo News Australia, emphasising the simplicity of staying safe: 'They live in the water, and we stay on land, a couple of meters back. That’s all it takes.'
Dangerous activities were observed at Cahill’s Crossing, where tourists, including children, were seen despite the high crocodile population. Credit: @Davidmcmahonaustralia / TikTok
The family in question was reportedly having a picnic on the road, with the children constantly at the water's edge, showing a lack of 'crocodile sense.' This term, perhaps unfamiliar to those outside of crocodile territory, refers to the awareness and respect for the power and danger of these ancient predators. The tour company warned that it was 'only a matter of time' before a tragedy occurred if such behaviour continued.
The Northern Territory boasts the world's largest wild crocodile population, with more than 100,000 of these formidable creatures in the wild, and an estimated 10 per cent found at Cahills Crossing. Local Rodney Fischer noted that croc numbers seem to be increasing, a sign of the species returning to a healthy population level after being hunted in the past. This resurgence, while positive for the crocodile population, underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution among humans sharing their habitat.
Similar incidents of risky behaviour have been reported at Cape Tribulation in northeast Queensland, where British tourists were recently criticised for fishing on the riverbank, dangerously close to a known 'large saltie.' The consequences of such actions were made starkly clear earlier this month when a Queensland crocodile, believed to have attacked a tourist, was killed by authorities after 'human remains' were found inside it.
The message from wildlife experts and locals is clear: we must do better to stay 'crocwise.' This means respecting the power of these animals, adhering to safety guidelines, and teaching others to do the same. Ignoring the risks not only endangers human lives but can also lead to negative repercussions for the crocodiles, such as culls, which are often called for in the aftermath of an attack.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, many of us have a deep appreciation for Australia's weird and wonderful environment. We understand the importance of coexisting with our native wildlife while also prioritising safety. It's crucial to remember that when visiting such areas, we are in the crocodiles' territory, and it is our responsibility to behave in a way that ensures the safety of ourselves, our families, and the animals that inhabit these wild spaces.
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