The Northern Territory’s Chief Minister wants the Commonwealth to consider culling crocodiles again after a man was attacked at a popular swimming hole.
The 67-year-old, who survived the attack on Monday, was bitten at Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park, about an hour south of Darwin.
About 80 people were said to be swimming in the water at the time.
A 2.4 metre male saltwater crocodile was later euthanised.
Natasha Fyles, the Territory’s top politician, told reporters on Tuesday “it’s time” to consider going back to culling and that she would be writing to the Commonwealth to start a conversation about it.
“When culling stopped in the Northern Territory in the 1970s we had around 3000 crocodiles,” Ms Fyles said at a press conference, according to NT News.
“There’s now estimated to be over 100,000 crocodiles – so a significant increase.
“We do have programs around management through egg collection … rangers that undertake patrols.
“But I think it’s time for us to consider, ‘do we need to go back to culling?’”
Ms Fyles said crocodiles were pushing further into areas where they hadn’t been before and it was affecting locals, traditional owners and tourism.
A tourist from Tasmania, who works as a police officer, told the newspaper about 80 people were swimming at Wangi Falls when the “terrifying” attack happened on Monday.
Taneka Starr said the victim had an “open flesh wound” on his arm.
A couple from NSW said they were left stranded on a rock that they climbed up while waiting to be rescued after the attack.
“Above the roar of the falls I heard a heap of yelling to turn around and see a decent size croc heading straight for us,” Joel Bennett said.
“After a quick dash to the rocks where Meghan [his partner] was and getting ourselves up on a ledge, it circled around the pool for a while then swam off down a creek.
“We found out after that it had already bitten someone and left some wounds on his arm and back.”
They were eventually rescued by two South African tourists in a tinny.
Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife posted on social media just after 2pm on Monday that the popular swimming spot was closed due to reports of an incident with a crocodile.
“Please obey all closures and do not enter the water,” the announcement read.
The spot remained closed to swimming on Tuesday “in the interests of public safety” with no date listed for its reopening on the government’s official website.
Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security director Dean McAdam confirmed a crocodile was euthanised last night.
“We work hard to reduce the risk of crocodiles in the management zones, however there is always the chance they can move into an area undetected,” he said.
“Public safety is our key priority, so please obey all closures and do not enter the water while we are completing the crocodile surveys.”
As well as swimming, people can camp at Wangi Falls, which has barbecues, public toilets and showers, and a cafe.