Large saltwater crocodile snatches a pet dog off a Cape York beach in northern Queensland

A massive crocodile has snatched a dog from a beach and dragged it underwater as the pooch’s distraught owner calls for people to stay safe after losing her pet.

Shocking vision of the attack showed the estimated five-metre-long beast launching at two dogs chilling out at a Cape York beach in north Queensland on Friday. 

The dog’s owner Johnnina Savo warned beachgoers in the area to be wary near the water.

‘The pup that got taken by the croc was ours … stay safe around the water’s edge,’ she wrote, News Corp reported.

The footage showed two dogs resting near the edge of the calm waters of the Embley River at Napranum Beach. 

The large saltwater crocodile was seen sneaking up on the pair as they sat oblivious to its presence. 

Shocking vision of the attack showed the estimated five-metre-long crocodile launching at two dogs (pictured) at a Cape York beach in north Queensland on Friday

Shocking vision of the attack showed the estimated five-metre-long crocodile launching at two dogs (pictured) at a Cape York beach in north Queensland on Friday

The predator flung the dog into the air before it turned back into the water as the larger dog ran for its life (pictured) - narrowly avoiding the croc's jaws

The predator flung the dog into the air before it turned back into the water as the larger dog ran for its life (pictured) - narrowly avoiding the croc's jaws

The predator flung the dog into the air before it turned back into the water as the larger dog ran for its life (pictured) – narrowly avoiding the croc’s jaws

Parents are being urged to keep children away from the water in the area (pictured, Napranum Beach)

Parents are being urged to keep children away from the water in the area (pictured, Napranum Beach)

Parents are being urged to keep children away from the water in the area (pictured, Napranum Beach)

As the croc drew nearer the larger of the two dogs noticed its approach and got up but before the smaller dog could do anything, the man-eater pounced on it. 

The predator flung the dog into the air before it turned back into the water as the larger dog ran for its life – narrowly avoiding the croc’s jaws. 

Both animals disappeared out of sight after the crocodile was seen jolting its head to get a better grasp of the dog. 

Three other large canines were spotted rushing to into the water and looking in the crocodile’s direction after the nasty attack. 

Meanwhile, the state Department of Environment and Science said the incident at the popular beach was under investigation. 

Parents are being urged to keep children away from the water.

WHAT IS A SALTWATER CROCODILE?

  • It is the largest of all living reptiles, growing up to 6m in length and up to a tonne in weight 
  • Typically remain motionless and camouflaged for very long periods, and are often mistaken for a partially submerged log
  • Able to propel itself through the water at surprising speed up to speeds of around 18km/h
  • With eyes and nostrils on top of its head, it can remain mostly hidden beneath the surface of the water
  • Distinguished by its large size, bulk and wide rounded snout
  • Mouth contains 40-60 large teeth designed to rip flesh off prey as food is swallowed whole
  • Strictly carnivorous, it eats fish, birds, and even wallabies, water buffalo, cattle, flying foxes, crabs and turtles that venture near the water’s edge
  • Most prey are ambushed and then drowned or swallowed whole 
  • When hunting prey, they lie in wait, partially submerged or completely underwater 
  • Inhabit the mangrove swamps, coastal marshes, and river mouths, around the top of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland
  • The saltwater crocodile can live up to 70 years old  

Source: Australian Reptile Park  

Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk