A woman has been left with a laceration to her arm after she was bitten by a freshwater crocodile while canoeing with her family in north Queensland.
The Department of Environment and Services (DES) was called to investigate the attack which occurred at Ross River, above the Aplin Weir in Townsville last week.
Director of Northern Wildlife Operations and Threatened Species, Lindsay Delzoppo, said the woman was bitten on the arm by a 1.5-metre crocodile.
"The freshwater crocodile is believed to have turned around defensively and snapped at the person's arm near their elbow, causing a laceration, before disappearing under the water."
Owner of Hands on Wildlife, "Ranger Dan" Bamblett, said it was pretty uncommon for freshwater crocodiles to attack people.
"They're usually really shy and timid creatures, they're not considered dangerous to people," he said.
But a bump on the head would likely be enough to get a response from the animal.
Mr Bamblett said he believed the woman may have caught the animal off guard in its blind spot.
"They'd only turn around and attack out of instinct because they think it's something that could eat them," he said.
Mr Bamblett said the animals were also more defensive around nesting areas, with the animal's breeding season running until about March.
"It's unusual for a freshwater crocodile to be that pugnacious towards a person."
All bark, no bite?
Mr Bamblett said "freshies" preyed mainly on fish and crustacean and, unlike their saltwater counterparts, stuck to themselves.
And while the expression "don't worry it's only a freshie" is thrown around in north Queensland, Mr Bamblett said the animals ranked fairly low on the danger scale.
"If you do see one and you approach it you're already asking for something usual to happen," he said.
The animal will not be targeted for removal from the wild.
All crocodile sightings can be reported by using the free QWildlife app or by calling 1300 130 372.
