WATCH: Crocodile gets comfortable in mouth of Tongaat River
We think the Tongaat River and its new resident, the crocodile, might not see us there again for quite a while...
Imagine driving along the M4 in the middle of the afternoon on what seems to be a regular Saturday.
You're listening to some radio (preferably ECR) when you spot something on the side of the river.
It couldn't be what you think it is, right?
This might have been a thought that crossed Shivani Moodley's mind, but she did instantly recognise the creature she was seeing on the banks of the river.
A crocodile!
Shivani spoke to the North Coast Courier and explained how she was able to identify the animal.
I love going to game reserves so I am always on the lookout for animals and normally have a good eye for them. I often see reedbuck there when the tide is low but this was a complete surprise.
Moodley did stop to take a few pictures and videos as she was in complete awe of this creature, but as soon as she stopped her car and approached the bridge, the crocodile disappeared beneath the water.
Luckily, after returning from her trip, she was able to get some pictures of the croc.
Now you might be just as surprised as we were when we saw that a croc had made its way, almost completely, to the river mouth.
As it turns out, according to Peter Watson, owner of Crocodile Creek, this is not the first time a crocodile has been spotted in this same area.
Seeing this animal so close to the mouth could indicate that it is looking to nest, but that doesn't mean that they are regular travellers.
River mouths are often an ideal nesting area for crocodiles, there are lots of reedbeds for cover and banks to rest on. Sometimes the crocs you see in river mouths can even be from a different river when they have been swept out to sea and taken refuge at the nearest freshwater source. This could happen when there have been heavy rains further upstream.
Peter was also able to identify the animal as a 1.4m juvenile Nile crocodile (Try saying that 3 times fast).
Some other good news is that locals don't have to worry about any potential croc attacks unless they provoke the animal, which anyone would NOT recommend.
If you leave the crocodile in peace, it is highly likely that it will leave you alone too.
So everybody wins!
It is important to note though that if you do spot these animals, make sure you call Crocodile Creek on 032 940 4444.
For now, from our side: see ya later alligator!
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Main image courtesy of iStock