Harmful West Australians

Everytime we venture outdoors we are entering the
environment of many other creatures and most of these cause us no problem however there are certain animals present that the Bushwalker should be aware of to ensure a safe trip into the outdoors.
The aim of this page is not frighten or scare anybody from undertaking this activity but more to create an awareness of the animals that are best left alone should you encounter them on the track somewhere. These animals have a place in ecosystem in which they live and are an important part of the balance of the environment which they inhabit and remember we are encroaching on their backyard not the other way round.
Extensive development particuarly on the Swan Coastal Plain has see a lot of the traditional habitat disappear leaving less area for these animals to exist in bringing humans closer to an encounter with such an animal.
As mentioned on other parts of these pages before venturing into the outdoors a good knowledge of First Aid is essential and in the case of something such as an
accidental snake bite knowing how to apply first aid in those first few minutes is absolutely vital to the victim's well being. It should be noted because of the circumstances under which some of these photos were taken the quality varies throughout.   

Saltwater Crocodile (crocodilius porosous)

Possibly the most harmful and dangerous animal found in Western Australia as it is probably the only animal found here that will attack a human without
provocation. Crocodiles are found in the Northern parts of the state mostly in the Kimberley region in the tidal rivers close to the coast however there have been found in freshwater a long way from the coast. Although the Crocodile has a brain about the size of a cigar they are extremely efficent hunters and can be very territorial especially during nesting season Oct - Mar. The majority of attacks or near misses occur on the banks of rivers where crocodiles are found as they more likely to take prey from the bank of a river and drown the victim by "death rolling".

Be Crocodile Wise
The areas of the North west where crocodiles are found are some of the best wilderness areas this state has to offer and well worth a visit and by observing a few commonsense rules there is no reason why you can't enjoy a visit to such an area without coming dangerously close to a crocodile, in almost 10 years of visiting the Kimberley the author has yet to come under threat from a crocodile.

It is important to remember that crocodiles are basically creatures of habit . They will observe potential prey collecting water from the same place at the river for several days before making their
attack.
Whenever in Crocodile country the best advice that can be offered is to seek local advice before camping , fishing ,
swimming or taking part in any other
water activities.
Always watch out for large crocodiles children and pets are particularly at risk

Stand at least a few metres back from the bank when fishing

This Crocodile headed straight for the water at the  sound of our boat approaching

Do not paddle , clean fish ,prepare food or camp close to a water body , collect water in a bucket and return to your campsite to do chores as mentioned previously returning regularly to the same spot is dangerous.

Don't lean over the edges of boats or stand on log or rock overhanging water bodies

Dispose of food scraps ,fish offal and other wastes away from campsites

Warning signs mean business observe them at all times and under no circumstances should they be stolen placing other peoples lives in danger