Crocodile Caught in Trap at Popular Darwin Swimming Creek

A saltwater crocodile has been captured in a creek near Darwin where children had been swimming just one day earlier.

Wildlife rangers from the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife crocodile unit caught the 2.7-metre female crocodile on New Year’s Day in a rural Darwin area. Veteran ranger Tom Nichols said children regularly swim in the creek, and they were reportedly in the water on New Year’s Eve.

The crocodile was discovered after a member of the public alerted authorities to a trap that had been set with pig bait. Rangers followed standard safety procedures to secure and remove the reptile.

“We never release saltwater crocodiles; they are sent to crocodile farms,” Mr Nichols said.

Because it is the wet season in the Top End, crocodiles are more active and can appear in any waterway. In 2025 alone, the croc unit captured 202 crocodiles that posed a potential threat to people.

Parks and Wildlife is urging residents and visitors to remain “crocwise” and to keep at least five metres away from the water at all times.

News source: 7news