Breathtaking footage has emerged of a Yolngu man playing with an enormous saltwater crocodile in Arnhem Land.
In the video, he can be seen slapping a fish on the ground to entice the animal out of the water for a pat.
But the two are more than just acquaintances – Dima interacts with Nike the saltie every time he visits the beach in the coastal community of Bawaka.
Nike waddled out of the water and onto the sand when Duma offers up a fresh fish as a snack
Dima waits patiently on the beach in the beach in the coastal community of Bawaka for Nike
The video, which was uploaded on Welcome To Country, explains that the man plays with Nike just like you might play with your pet dog or cat.
Dima considers the massive creature his ‘very own wild pet crocodile’ who visits him regularly.
Dima’s ‘pet’ saltwater crocodile is named NIke
The Gumatj people have a deep respect for crocodiles, viewing them as ‘kin’ and protectors of their clan.
But crocodile experts from the region have criticised Dima, saying that playing with saltwater crocodiles is ‘asking for trouble’.
Parks Wildlife Commission NT Chief Wildlife Ranger Tommy Nichols said getting close to a wild saltie is ‘a silly thing to do’ because crocodiles are extremely unpredictable and cannot be tamed.
Mr Nichols told NT News that even if a crocodile acted ‘friendly’ around you a few times, it is important to remember they were wild animals and could ‘snap’ at any moment.
The Gumatj people have a deep respect for crocodiles, viewing them as ‘kin’ and protectors
Dims waits patiently for Nike to come to him (left) and gives him a pat as he swims away (right)
‘A lot of people do have salties as pets — they are usually people that really respect the animals,’ he said. ‘But if people want to get up close and personal to a crocodile, go to one of the parks.’
As the far northern region of Australia heads into the wet season, people are reminded to be extra vigilant around croc-infested waters.
During the Northern Territory’s rainy months, major waterways become connected to each other, allowing the reptiles to move around more freely.
This year, there was a 66 per cent spike in the number of crocodiles caught in the Top End after June became the third-rainiest wet season on record.
‘People have got to be crocwise, whether you’re walking along beachfronts or in freshwater waterways,’ NT Parks and Wildlife Commission chief ranger Tom Nichols warned.
He explained that croc movement in the Top End to slow down in the coming colder months, but still warned Territorians and visitors not to risk their lives.
Conversely, 2016 saw the second consecutive lousy wet season, during which there was a huge drop in croc captures and no fatal attacks.