Large dog's death a mystery as crocodile attack ruled out

Queensland park rangers say there is "nil evidence" of a crocodile in an outback river where a dog was reported to have been attacked and killed.

In June Richmond Shire Council reported to state authorities that a suspected saltwater crocodile lunged at and took a large dog from a waterhole more than 600 kilometres from where the reptiles were typically found.

In a statement on Wednesday, a Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said rangers found the dog's body in the waterhole.

"We can confirm that a crocodile was not involved," a spokesperson said.

"The dog was found early am 2 July 2026. Rangers recovered the dog from the water. It had no injuries.

"The animal was completely intact with no marks or other evidence."

The spokesperson said rangers carried out multiple searches.

"Two wildlife rangers from Townsville with extensive crocodile experience conducted the investigation," they said.

"Rangers conducted two thorough searches of the area, including a spotlight search at night, and in the morning when a crocodile would be basking in the sun to regulate body temperature.

"Nil evidence of a crocodile was found."

'Something's taken the bloody dog down'

Richmond is home to a large population of freshwater crocodiles, which grow to a maximum of 3 metres and can be mistaken for their larger, more aggressive saltwater relatives.

The report to DETSI referred to an animal that was allegedly spotted in a 4- to 5-metre deep waterhole along the Flinders River.

Reptile expert Grahame Webb previously told the ABC that such an attack would be rare from a freshwater crocodile, which typically feed on animals about the size of a thumb.

Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton, who reported the crocodile sighting to the department, said he would not be swimming in the area until the dog's death was explained.

"A pig didn't kill that dog," he said.

"A pig might open a dog up … something's taken the bloody dog down and drowned it.

"I won't be going for a swim down there and I would expect nobody from Richmond will until we can see the bottom of that hole."

Cr Wharton said saltwater species such as sharks, barramundi and sawfish had previously reached the region after major weather events.

He wanted to see rangers run a net through the waterhole and conduct a more thorough investigation.

"They went in there with lights and had a bit of a sail around the boat," Cr Wharton said.

"We're still going ahead and putting up croc [warning] signs."

A DETSI spokesperson said netting was not standard practice.

"Spotlight searches are conducted at night due to the eye-shine," they said.

"Crocodile eyes shine bright red in torchlight."