A woman has been hospitalised with serious leg injuries after being bitten by a freshwater crocodile at Lake Argyle in far-north Western Australia.
The 38-year-old was swimming at Butler Cove on Monday when the unprovoked attack happened, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
She was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition.
A two metre freshwater crocodile was seen in the area soon after the incident, according to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Parks and wildlife staff conducted a patrol of Butler Cove the following day and a freshwater crocodile of the same size approached their boat.
"Both the behaviour of a crocodile approaching the boat and the events of the previous day is consistent with what staff would identify as a problem animal," a DBCA spokeswoman said.
"In order to ensure public safety in the popular recreation and swimming area and with consideration to large community events such as the annual Lake Argyle swim taking place this weekend, staff destroyed the animal."
Lake Argyle is home to a large population of freshwater crocodiles.
Unlike their saltwater counterparts, freshwater crocodiles are not usually considered to be dangerous but have the capacity to cause serious injuries.
Anyone who encounters a freshwater crocodile interacting with people swimming, fishing or boating is encouraged to report the sighting to their local Parks and Wildlife Service office.
"As with all wild animals, freshwater crocodiles' behaviour can change if people feed or interact with them. The animals can begin seeking out people as a source of food and start exhibiting dangerous behaviour," the spokeswoman said.
"The public is reminded not to feed or approach wildlife while recreating in the Kimberley."
