Crocodile captured after being found in pond behind Bunnings

Monday, 2 March 2026 14:31

The crocodile, which is not normally found in New South Wales, travelled three kilometres from where it was first spotted.

A baby crocodile has been captured after swimming in a creek behind a Bunnings Warehouse in Newcastle for two days.

The crocodile's presence behind the store in Wallsend in Newcastle's west was first reported on Saturday afternoon, with police called to a creek at Federal Park at around 4.30pm.

Once the crocodile was spotted in the water, police formed a perimeter to stop the crocodile from escaping and to prevent people from going too close to it.

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The crocodile was captured around three kilometres from where it was first spotted. Freshwater crocodiles are not usually found in New South Wales.

The crocodile was identified as a freshwater crocodile, which is not native to New South Wales, instead being found in northern Australia.

The crocodile was initially spotted around three kilometres from the creek, before making its way to the park behind the Bunnings store.

Despite animal handling specialists from the Australian Reptile Park arriving on scene that night, they were unable to capture it.

They returned the next day and were able to successfully capture the crocodile.

"With murky water this wasn't a simple job but our team," the Australian Reptile Park said in a post on Facebook.

"Our team... worked across the weekend to safely secure the little croc.'

The young croc has been taken to the Australian Reptile Park, where it is being checked and cared for by a vet team.

Despite initial reports of more crocodiles in the area, police confirmed there had been no further sightings.

There were no reported injuries, and the young croc has been taken to the Australian Reptile Park for further checks.

"The croc has now been safely transported to the Australian Reptile Park," the Facebook post said.

"Our veterinary team is giving it a full health check and making sure it's getting the proper care it needs."

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