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 Crocodiles
Crocodiles are among the earth's oldest creatures
and, understandably, they are protective about newcomers arriving
on their turf. Growing to more than 6 metres (19 « feet) in
length, they have occasionally attacked people wading or swimming
in estuaries and rivers.
Areas where crocodiles
have been seen are usually signposted but even if you can't find
a warning sign, be alert at any river, tidal creek or estuary.
If you will be travelling through or camping
along the Wet Tropics coast, ask a ranger for a "Croc Smart"
brochure before you go. This brochure will tell you how to enjoy
the bush without disturbing the crocodiles (and vice-versa!).
Cassowaries
 The
rainforest is also home to the cassowary, one of the world's biggest
birds, reaching 2 metres (6 « feet) tall. As a flightless
bird, the cassowary has evolved powerful legs with strong feet and
three large claws to defend itself and its young. They are endangered
so you might not be lucky enough to see one in the bush but, if
you should encounter one, there are a few ways to avoid a confrontation.
- DO NOT
approach the bird closely - seeing a cassowary in the bush is
a privilege - admire it from a reasonable distance. If you get
too close and the bird starts to pay attention to you, try to
slip behind a tree or rock and wait for the bird to move on.
- DO NOT turn
around and run away from a cassowary- face the bird and just back
away slowly.
- DO NOT attempt
to feed any cassowaries. This is not only dangerous for you but
dangerous for the cassowary - statistics show that when these
important birds become used to people, they are far more likely
to be killed by cars and dogs.
Snakes
Snakes probably have the worst reputation but
most are quite timid and prefer to flee from humans if given a chance.
To avoid provoking them, look before stepping
over logs and don't poke around rock crevices, hollow logs or burrows.
It's also a good idea to wear sturdy boots, thick socks and long
trousers when you're bushwalking. If bitten, immediately apply a
tight, broad pressure bandage (one which is tight enough to restrict
the lymphatic flow without interfering with blood flow). Apply a
splint to keep the limb immobile and seek medical help. Pythons
(such as the Amythistine and the Carpet) are non-venomous although
they are likely to bite if picked up or cornered.
Some Wet Tropics snakes are highly
venomous including the Taipan, King Brown and Rough Scale,
but in most cases, if you leave them alone and give them a wide
berth, they will choose to move away from you as quickly as possible.
Feral Pigs
Wild pigs have spread through much of the Wet
Tropics and there are many stories of bushwalkers spending hours
up trees waiting for a pig to go away. Large boars can weigh 130kg
(over 600 pounds) and have formidable 8cm (3 inch) tusks. They are
first class short distance sprinters, reaching speeds of 40 km/hr
(25 mph). If you encounter a feral pig,
don't aggravate it. If it charges,
don't run - try to get behind a tree.
Avoid mud wallows and wading through water that
pigs have been standing in - pig urine carries the potentially deadly
bacteria Leptosporosis - also known as Swineherd's disease. Symptoms
include fever, headaches, severe muscle pain and delirium. If you
suspect you may have picked up this bacteria, see a doctor immediately
for laboratory testing and antibiotics. (Rodents also carry Leptospirosis
so waterproof boots should be worn if you plan to wade through flooded
canefields.)
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