Legendary Daintree crocodile Scarface mysteriously returns

After a Missing Notice was posted for the legendary crocodile, Scarface returned to his usual mangrove haunt on the Daintree yesterday afternoon.

David White, the owner of Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile & Wildlife Cruises, reported that “Scarface”, the King of the Daintree for more than two decades, has been disappearing in action since February 11, a 31 day absence, his longest in over 26 years. He had been searching for his mate nightly since his disappearance, and considering all options to explain his absence.

What might have happened to Scarface the crocodile?

Other dominant crocodiles Bung Eye and Big Nick  (aka Lumpy) may have tried to move in on the King’s territory -but he hadn’t witnessed any fights nor seen any injuries.

Scarface may also have died from old age-but his body had not been found, he may have simply moved on, or he may have been in trouble, tangled in nets, rope or line. He might have also met with other human interference.

Scarface returns to the Daintree

Scarface’s safe return has been received with hundreds of comments of support and delight by followers from all around the world, as well as his devoted local followers but the question still remains as to what on earth has he been up to? And where has he been?

The intrigue around Scarface’s disappearance and return will not doubt be a central theme to Solar Whisper’s engaging The Days of the Daintree, a fictionalised soap opera of the Daintree wildlife’s breakups, makeups, bust-ups, trending fashion and menu. Scarface is the megastar A-lister for the drama.

The international attention around his disappearance, coinciding with a recent Bloomfield River crocodile shooting has also brought increased awareness and educational opportunities for visitors and locals alike to  “be crocwise in croc country”.

How to be Crocwise in the Douglas Shire

Just because you can’t see a crocodile, it doesn’t mean there is not one close by. Crocodiles can stay underwater for more than an hour. Even large crocodiles can be completely concealed in knee-deep water.

• Report all crocodile sightings as soon as possible even if you’ve reported the animal before by:
  • using the QWildlife app available for iOS and Android
  • accessing the sighting report online, or
  • calling 1300 130 372 [select option 1]
• Stay at least 5m from the water’s edge—crocodiles often hunt their prey at the water’s edge.
• Dispose of your food and fish scraps in a bin—don’t leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, around your camp site or at a boat ramp. Crocodiles will be attracted by an easy meal, and this puts subsequent visitors to the area at risk.
• Do not feed crocodiles—it is illegal, dangerous, and teaches crocodiles to associate humans with food.
• Be extra cautious at night, dusk and dawn when crocodiles are most active.
• Do not use kayaks, paddleboards and other small craft in crocodile habitat areas. The smaller the vessel, the greater the risk—crocodiles have taken people from small vessels.
• Stay well away from crocodile traps. Crocodile traps are designed to attract hungry crocodiles so avoid fishing and boating near them and never interfere with them. People who deliberately interfere with the operation of crocodile traps face potential penalties of over $15,000.
• Dogs are attractive prey to crocodiles. Keep your pets on a lead and away from the water’s edge.
• Watch out for crocodiles in unusual places after very high tides and heavy rains. Crocodiles can move further upstream during very high tides and periods of flooding and may move into new areas where they have not been seen before.
• Breeding female crocodiles will defend their nests aggressively. September to April is breeding season for crocodiles.
• Crocodiles are more active during the warmer months of the wet season.