A tourist had a lucky escape after she was attacked by a 2m saltwater crocodile while swimming in a freshwater creek in Western Australia.
The incident occurred in a remote Kimberley creek near Gumboot Bay, northeast of Kalumburu, on Monday, May 15, according to WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
The woman was reportedly bitten by the crocodile but managed to escape with minor injuries.
She was treated at the scene before being transferred to hospital for further medical treatment.
The remote site had no crocodile warning signs, but following an inspection by DBCA staff they have since been installed.
A DBCA spokesperson told the ABC the wet season, which included flooding across the region early this year, allowed crocodiles to move to locations they may not have been seen in before.
The DBCA warns anyone visiting the Top End needs to be “croc aware”.
“It is very important that you remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to stay safe at all times,” the website reads.
“Never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat.
“Crocodiles are formidable ambush predators and it only takes one wrong move to put yourself at risk of serious injury or death.”
It comes after a man was also bitten on the leg by a 1.5m saltwater crocodile in the Kimberley region in December last year.
Kyle Hutchinson was walking with friends near Buttons Crossing, north of Kununurra, when he stepped in a deep puddle and felt a searing pain.
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He was rushed to hospital where doctors were amazed all of the gashes missed tendons and vital arteries.
The man then headed to the pub two hours after the incident.
There are estimated to be at least 200,000 mature crocodiles in Australia, split between north Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern WA.
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