GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT FOOLED BY FAKE CROC PIC

A widely published photograph supposedly showing a crocodile in Karratha has turned out to be a fake.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has announced a photograph it shared that seemingly showed a saltwater crocodile near Airport Creek in Karratha has turned out to be a fake.

In a Facebook post, the Department said it had discovered the photograph sent to a DBCA staff member was not authentic.

The photograph has been removed from the Department’s social media feed, but at the time of writing remains on the Facebook page of the WA Police Pilbara District.

The photograph was widely shared by media outlets, including Ngaarda Media.

The department said it had received multiple recent reports of a crocodile sighting in the Airport Creek area.

While these sightings are unconfirmed, further sightings should be reported to DBCA.