There's always someone worse off

A dangerous four metre crocodile is lurking at the Bohle River boat ramp, prompting a warning from the Queensland Government for boaties and fishers to stay well away from the area.

The warning comes after the crocodile behaved aggressively towards three young men fishing off the bank overnight.

The animal began approaching the bank where the fishermen were standing, but as an EHP wildlife boat approached its vicinity, the crocodile changed its direction and struck the vessel.

Officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) will be at the site to ask people not to use the area while attempts are being made to remove the animal.

These steps are in the interest of public safety, which is our priority.

EHP asks people to take our advice seriously and not to risk their lives as there is a large crocodile in the water that has shown signs of aggressive behaviour.

It is possible this animal is one of the two crocodiles seen at Pallarenda and environs over the past two weeks.

Two additional traps have been set in the Bohle River, taking the number to five. There is a further trap at Pallarenda, making a total of six traps in the Townsville region.

Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant, avoid areas where wildlife officers are attempting to remove the animal, and under no circumstances interfere with any crocodile trap.

Fishers are also reminded to dispose of fish frames and leftover bait properly as they can attract crocodiles.

The department thanks the community for their patience as officers carry out their duties.

It must always be assumed that waterways in Townsville, being "Croc Country," may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. Never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat.

Crocodiles are known to become more mobile during summer months if looking for a mate, or in times of heavy rainfall and floods.

It's therefore important that members of the public practise "Crocwise" behaviour, in particular:

* Obey croc warning signs
* Don't swim or let domestic pets swim in waters where crocs may live
* Be aware that crocodiles also swim in the ocean
* Stand back from the water when fishing or cast netting
* Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
* Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, a camp site or boat ramp
* Never interfere with or fish or boat near crocodile traps, and
* Always supervise children.

Crocodile warning signs have been placed in locations where sightings have been recorded, including the Bohle River and Pallarenda.

Crocodile sightings can be reported to EHP on 1300 130 372 and the department investigates all crocodile reports it receives.

Further information on crocodiles and being Crocwise, including video safety tips on boating and fishing in crocodile country, is available on EHP's website at http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au<http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au>

A California woman was about to snap a photo of her husband holding a yellowtail fish on their 29-foot boat when a hungry sea lion leaped about 7 feet out of the water, bit into the man’s hand and yanked him overboard.

Dan Carlin, 62, was smashed by the animal against the boat’s side and sent his legs flailing in the air like a rag doll before it dragged him some 20 feet underwater earlier this month, he said Wednesday.

Underwater, the sea lion whipped the San Diego accountant side to side.

"After 15 seconds, I thought I was going to die," Carlin told The Associated Press. "I continued to struggle, but thought this is the way I was going to die. It was unbelievable to me."

As quickly as the attack occurred, Carlin was released from the sea lion’s grip. But to add insult to injury, he sea lion bit Carlin’s foot, puncturing the bone.

He managed to make his way back to his boat that was in a bay off San Diego. He and his wife moved it closer to land while his hand gushed blood and he struggled to breathe because of his battered chest. At one point, Carlin said, he lost his vision.

Carlin received 20 stiches for the gash on his hands and spent two days in the hospital.

Carlin hopes his hand will have healed enough so he can go back out fishing next week. An experienced surfer, scuba diver and fisherman, Carlin said he and his wife, Trish Carlin, always took precautions to properly dispose of any guts or carcasses to ensure they did not go in the water.

Still, his experience shows just how dangerous sea lions can be, despite the fact that people often do not fear them, Carlin said.

"So many times, you see videos of cute seals, sea lions, but I'm sharing what happened to me because I want parents to realize these are wild aggressive animals that can take you down," he said. "They should be given a wide berth. At least a small child should do that, but also just about anybody should."

The Associated Press contributed to this report