by Staff Writers
Sydney (AFP) Feb 15, 2008

Residents of a flooded city in Australia have been warned to beware of
crocodiles and snakes after the reptiles were sighted in the area, a
report said Friday.

People in Mackay on the northeast coast should not wade through the
murky floodwaters and those using boats should not dangle legs or arms
into the water, an official told the national AAP news agency.

"If they become close to a crocodile don't chase it or provoke it
because they will lose," said Environmental Protection Agency spokesman
Joe Adair.

Mackay was declared a disaster area on Friday after it was deluged with
twice its usual monthly rainfall in one day and officials said up to
1,000 people may need to be evacuated.

It would not be surprising to see crocodiles and snakes moving around
the floodwaters, Adair said.

"It's quite likely. I mean it's crocodile and snake habitat up there, as
is anywhere in central Queensland north of Gladstone.

"Crocodiles are along the coast in the estuary systems and waters all
the way through and this time of year they're moving around.

"The floodwaters certainly have the potential to move them and disperse
them."

They would move back to their normal habitats as the flood subsided, he
said, urging concerned residents to report sightings to the agency.

The torrential rain flooded homes and businesses and forced the closure
of the airport, all schools and several roads.

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