17 February 2023 , 11:13
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An enormous crocodile spotted hungrily stalking beachgoers was shot dead by wildlife officials in Australia.
The 13-foot monster was euthanised after being caught "aggressively" following members of the public on a beach in Mackay, Queensland in Australia.
Wildlife authorities say it serves as a reminder not to be complacent near the water.
Last Thursday, a man who was out surfing reported that a large crocodile had followed him stealthily to shore. He then warned other nearby swimmers to evade the beast.
After sounding the alarm, a number of other swimmers say they were forced to "scramble up a rock" to get out of its way.
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On Tuesday, a fisherman recalled how he was forced to throw rocks at the same crocodile to stop it approaching him.
A crocodile snaps up to bite after a wildlife officer throws something to limit its vision (9NEWS)Senior Wildlife Officer Jane Burn from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science siad the animal posed an "unacceptable" risk and that it had to be killed.
"Wildlife officers assessed the animal as posing an unacceptable danger to the community and made the decision to humanely euthanise the crocodile on the spot," she said.
"Since the beginning of 2023, there has already been 23 reported crocodile sightings in the Mackay region.
"By contrast, there has only been four crocodile sightings reported in the Rockhampton region.
The monster measured a massive 13ft (9NEWS)"Mackay is croc country, and people are urged not to be complacent with their own safety or the safety of their family or their pets when they are in or near the water."
Ms Burn added that people should be aware that crocodiles could be lurking just below the surface even if people don't see them.
"During the recent investigation, wildlife officers located a 2.7m (8.85ft) crocodile in Reliance Creek and a smaller animal in another nearby creek," she said.
One man had to throw rocks at the croc to keep it away (9NEWS)"Those animals were assessed as not posing a danger to the community, but people must understand that crocodiles are widely distributed throughout the Mackay region.
"In December last year, a two-metre crocodile was removed from the wild at Bloomsbury and sent to a local farm.
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"Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country."
Under the Queensland Crocodile Management plan, the creatures considered dangerous to human safety will be removed from the wild.
Officials ask the public to report all sightings as soon as they happen.