A family in Newcastle, New South Wales, had a narrow escape when a mother initially dismissed her son’s alarming report of a crocodile in a nearby creek. On March 15, 2024, Stephanie Kirsop thought her 12-year-old son, Lionel Saunders, was joking when he called to say he had spotted a reptile.
Upon investigating, Kirsop was shocked to discover that Lionel was telling the truth; a crocodile was indeed lurking in the water, a revelation that shocked the community. Experts have noted that the species of crocodile found in the area can inflict serious injuries, raising concerns about local children who frequently swim in the creek.
Kirsop shared her experience, saying, “There is a little crocodile just swimming around in the creek where local kids go to fish and sometimes kids swim in there. Wow.” Initially skeptical, she thought Lionel was trying to trick her. “My son took videos because he was trying to convince me it was real and I didn’t believe him. It did look like a crocodile but I was like, ‘no it’s a log.’”
The situation escalated when Lionel insisted that his mother come to see the reptile for herself. “He rang me back a little bit later and he’s like: ‘I’m so serious, Mom. You have to come down here and have a look.’ The whole drive down there I’m thinking this is going to be a trick. They’re going to laugh at me,” Kirsop explained.
Authorities were notified, but they initially had difficulty believing the family’s claims due to the frequency of false reports in the area. Billy Collett, manager of the Australian Reptile Park, expressed skepticism. “I was a bit suspicious because we get a lot of phone calls. These days with AI, it’s just so crazy… They’re capable of inflicting a serious injury,” he stated.
The crocodile, measuring approximately 39 inches long, was eventually captured about two miles from where it was first spotted. It is currently safe at the Australian Reptile Park while authorities decide on its permanent placement. Collett emphasized the urgency of removing the crocodile, stating, “I just wanted to get him out of there because he would’ve perished in winter.”
The crocodile is believed to have been a pet released into the wild after outgrowing its environment. Collett added that the animal is healthy and would not survive the upcoming winter if left in the creek.
In Australia, crocodiles are protected under law, and this incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife in suburban areas. As the Southern Hemisphere transitions into autumn, the community remains vigilant regarding the presence of wildlife in their local environment.
