NORTHERN TERRITORY NEWS (Darwin, Australia) 06 July 07 Camp moved after croc tent invasion (Nigel Adlam)
The camp site at a Northern Territory billabong where a crocodile tried to get into a tent has been moved.
Campers at 4 Mile Hole in Kakadu must now set up their tents 50m from the water.
The national park's crocodile manager, Garry Lindner, said: "Visitor safety is our top priority and camping close to the water's edge is clearly an unacceptable risk."
Bus driver Noel Bleakley and his family received the fright of their lives when they woke to find a crocodile trying to get inside their tent last year.
Noel's son Mark spooked the 4m saltie, which ran off and crashed straight into a tree.
Indentations were left in the banyan tree.
"We camped about 7m from the bank and I thought that would be far enough – but obviously not," Mr Bleakley said.
The new camp site opens this weekend after the billabong was closed for the Wet.
Mr Lindner said 50m was considered a safe distance to discourage crocodiles from travelling overland.
"Kakadu is crocodile country and there are far more crocs around since the ban on hunting in the 1970s," he said.
"Saltwater crocs appear to be becoming less fearful and more inquisitive as they become accustomed to people.
"While camping is relocated back from the water's edge, visitors will be able to use the area closer to the billabong with its shady trees during the day, when they are much more alert and aware of potential dangers.
"The camping area remains set out along the length of the billabong to allow for a dispersed, remote bush camping experience.
"This is a very popular fishing spot, and anglers will still be able to access their boats tied at the edge of the billabong.
"But it is important that visitors stay on the alert.
"To discourage inquisitive crocodiles, they should be particularly careful not to leave fish scraps and rubbish close to the camp."
Camp moved after croc tent invasion