Wet season croc warning in the Top End

Indigenous communities in the Top End have been urged to be vigilant around waterholes and swimming areas during the wet season as there will be an increase in crocodile movement.

The Northern Territory’s senior executive director of Parks and Wildlife, Neva McCartney, said public safety always guided decisions about access to swimming locations.

“Where we can keep swimming areas open safely during the wet season, we do,” Ms McCartney said.

“Where the risk is too high, we close, because public safety is paramount.”

2025 Incident Reports

• Non-Fatal Incidents: There were reports of a Trepang fisherman being attacked off the coast of the Northern Territory in 2025.
• Fatalities: As of early 2026, official sources indicate that fatal saltwater crocodile attacks remain rare in the NT. One report from April 2025 noted there had been only one fatal attack in the territory over the previous six years. (The most recent major fatal incident in the NT prior to 2025 occurred in July 2024).
• Regional Context: In contrast to the NT, Queensland recorded a fatal crocodile attack in February 2025 and a non-fatal attack on a 14-year-old boy in October 2025.

Ms Boothby added crocodiles were an intrinsic part of the Territory’s unique lifestyle, and managing the risks that come with living and visiting here is essential.

“Where there is water, there is always a chance of a croc, particularly during the wet season,” she said.

“If you think a crocodile is nearby, report it immediately to Parks and Wildlife and follow Crocwise advice.”

Minister for Parks and Wildlife, Marie-Clare Boothby, said exceptional wet season rainfall has driven increased crocodile movement across the Top End, with waterways expanding and connecting earlier than usual.

Crocodile Management Statistics (2025)

• Rather than high attack numbers, 2025 was defined by significant management and capture efforts:
• Total Captures: NT Parks and Wildlife rangers captured 241 crocodiles across the territory in 2025.
• Capture Locations: Of these, 199 were removed from Darwin Harbour.
• Comparison: The 2025 capture figure was 30 fewer than in 2024, continuing a downward trend from a peak of 322 captures in 2021.
• Rangers have already reported an active start to 2026, averaging one crocodile capture per day in the first week of the year, including a 4.9-meter crocodile near Wangi Falls.

Parks and Wildlife officers have captured six crocodiles in the first week of 2026 as part of routine wet season risk management, including one animal measuring approximately 4.9 metres.

“Our crocodile management teams and park rangers are on the ground every day responding to reports, installing and checking traps, and conducting day and night surveys to keep Territorians and visitors safe,” Ms Boothby said.

“Our Government has strengthened crocodile management capacity through additional staff, new traps and upgraded infrastructure, allowing faster responses to sightings and earlier reopening of popular parks and swimming spots when it is safe to do so.”