Want to visit the Northern Territory, Australia, but are too afraid of the saltwater crocodiles? Well, there is no need to be afraid. Even though the saltwater crocodile is the world's largest reptile, averaging five metres(15 feet), if you take notice of the following tips, you should stay safe. 1. KEEP OUT OF THE WATER. Staying away from the waterways, lagoons, billabongs and creeks is the best way to ensure that you will never get eaten by a saltwater crocodile. However, this is not really the answer that people want to hear. But if you are in crocodile country stay at least five metres away from the water. Although on land they can produce a sudden burst of speed to catch unwary prey. You will not get away. 2. TAKE HEED OF THE 'BEWARE OF CROCODILE' SIGNS The National Park Rangers have placed these signs up where there are known crocodile sightings. If there is no sign at a waterhole, it does not mean that there will not be a crocodile. These animals can travel long distances overland and along waterways, especially during the wet season. Crocodiles can and do spend most of their lives in fresh water after swimming hundreds of kilometres inland. 3. TALK TO THE LOCALS The locals have insight and knowledge of the crocodile habits in the areas. These people are the ones who have seen crocodiles in their local area and have a good idea of their sizes. Unfortunately, some of the locals have become blasé about the 'safe' swimming holes, and a few have come to grief. Since 1971, there has been no culling of crocodiles in the Northern Territory, and in the last 40 years, saltwater crocodiles have increased from 5,000 to 75,000 in numbers. Saltwater crocodiles are coming into fresh waterways in the wet seasons, often travelling long distances overland, where they have never been before when these adults were children. 4. FISH IN A BIGGER BOAT Go out fishing in a boat bigger than any known large sized crocodile in the area. Crocodiles have attacked small fishing boats and can easily overturn them, with the fisherman in it. 5. FISH WITH AN EXPERIENCED TOUR OPERATOR Preferably go out fishing with an experienced fishing charter captain. There are always fishing charters available and these boats are large and safe. 6. NEVER TORMENT OR TEASE A CROCODILE It is extremely dangerous to throw sticks or stones at a crocodile. This will make them angry enough to come after you. The crocodile may look like it is sunning itself quietly on the riverbank, and to be asleep. However, when it moves, it will be surprisingly fast. Keep well away from it. 7. NEVER KEEP VISITING THE SAME SPOT Crocodiles are a creature of habit and will watch to see if you are, too. They will watch you for a few days or more, biding their time to attack. Camping by the waterside is inviting danger. They have been known to drag a man out of a tent during the night. 8. NEVER LET YOUR DOG SWIM IN THE WATER Always keep your dog out of the water as crocodiles are quick to move in for the kill. The dog's barking on the riverbank will attract crocodiles very fast. Dogs have as little chance of escape as people do against a hungry or territorial crocodile. If you abide by these suggestions, and always use commonsense, your holiday visit to Darwin or any other coastal parts of the Northern Territory in Australia will be quite safe and very enjoyable. There are several really good water leisure centres for safe swimming and excellent crocodile farms and parks to view crocodiles.
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