Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Todd Bairstow survived a crocodile attack at Trunding Creek near Weipa, Queensland, on 9 March 2011. In a first-person account published by SBS on 28 August 2025, he recalled being dragged into the water and badly injured before help arrived. Queensland’s official incident list classifies the attack as non-fatal.
Where and when was Todd Bairstow attacked?
The attack happened at Trunding Creek near Weipa on Cape York Peninsula on 9 March 2011. Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation lists it as a non-fatal crocodile attack in an information sheet last reviewed on 9 December 2025. Queensland’s crocodile-attack record gives the official date, location and classification.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How Bairstow says the attack unfolded
Bairstow described the encounter in a first-person feature for SBS, published more than 14 years after the attack. He recalled driving to a creek-side fishing spot with his dog, Dig Dig, then walking a short distance to find a clearing. According to his account, a crocodile grabbed his left leg from behind and pulled him into the water.
He said he clung to mangrove branches as the animal rolled him in the water. He suffered severe injuries to his leg and hand and called out for help. These details come from Bairstow’s later recollection, rather than a contemporaneous eyewitness transcript. Read Bairstow’s account for SBS Insight.
#1 Best Overall
- Turn your frown upside down when you bring home the Wild Republic Alligator stuffed animal.
- When this plush toy becomes dirty from hours of play, it is surface washable for an easy clean.
- Alligators can grow to 11 feet long, but this one measures in at a cuddly 23 inches.
- This Alligator stuffed animal makes a great toy for kids of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents.
- Wild Republic plush toys are crafted from high-quality fabrics with keen attention to detail and realistic facial features.
How help arrived
Bairstow recalled that Raelene Motton heard his calls from a pub car park and alerted his friend Kevin Beven. He said Beven’s arrival startled the crocodile into releasing him, after which Beven pulled him away from the creek.
Contemporary ABC reporting, published on 14 March 2011, described another nearby fisherman fighting the crocodile until it let go. The reports may describe different parts of the struggle; they do not establish one fully verified sequence. The ABC said Bairstow was in serious but stable condition and was being treated for injuries to his legs, arm and hand. ABC’s report from 2011.
Rank #2
- Bring the fun of a true “living fossil” into your home with this adorable alligator stuffed animal.
- This Reptile plush toy measures out to be 8 inches long from nose to the tip of its distinct tail.
- Whether this stuffed animal is for a child or adult, it will be sure to bring Smiles to all faces, and it is also great for endless cuddles.
- Exploring the murky waters can be dirty work, but this plush toy is made of high quality materials and is surface washable.
- While the alligator prefers a warm environment, this stuffed animal is happy to go on adventures with you anywhere in the world.
His injuries and recovery
In the SBS account, Bairstow said he spent three months in Cairns hospital and underwent 14 operations. ABC’s report from the days after the attack provides a contemporaneous snapshot of his condition, describing him as serious but stable. The later account adds the duration of his hospital stay and the number of operations.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How large was the crocodile?
Published estimates differ, and the reviewed sources do not establish a definitive measured length.
Rank #3
- 7-IN-1 Mommy Alligator with Babies Family: Welcome to Cute Alligators World! Big green crocodile stuffed animal with 3 baby alligator stuffed animals and 3 cute crocodile eggs in its Zippered Tummy. 7-IN-1 realistic stuffed alligator toys are suitable for sharing and playing together, encouraging pretend play, which helps kids to promote fine motor and social skills, stimulate imagination, creativity, boost self-esteem, confidence and learn love
- Super Soft & Safe: Cute realistic crocodile plush toys are made of soft short plush fabric, filled with high-quality PP cotton, soft non-woven teeth and scales safe for kids, and a smooth zipper without small items that can easily fall off. Super soft plush alligator bulk is skin-friendly, non-fading, non-linting, washable surface. Safe for all ages
- Perfect Partner: How fun to help the 23.6''mommy large alligator hatch its 4'' crocodile eggs and get about 5'' small baby crocodiles! These plush crocodile toys with cute faces, perfect size and belly zipper storage design are amazing! Perfect for all ages to play and carry around. Never worry about getting dirty. Hand or machine washable! Be assured to play, cuddle and sleep with your big alligator and small alligator plush toys as you like!
- Best Gift: Irresistibly cool! Realistic alligator with babies are popular with all ages. Lifelike stuffed alligator decor is an ideal decoration for room, nursery, party and attractIve gift for kid, especially for crocodile lover on Birthday, Baby shower, Children's Day, Christmas. The stuffed crocodile plush toy will be your favorite plush toy. Definitely a different surprise！
- About MorisMos & Warm Tips: Thanks for choosing our plush crocodile with babies. We do our best to meet your expectation. If you have any questions. Please let us know and we will solve it for you as soon as possible. Tips: The big alligator stuffed animal will become more flully and nice if put in a dryer on high heat for a while
- SBS’s 2025 account describes the crocodile as 3 metres long.
- PerthNow’s 31 August 2025 article paraphrases Bairstow’s SBS appearance as describing an 11-foot crocodile. PerthNow’s account.
- ABC’s 2011 report gave a length of four metres.
Those figures should be treated as estimates reported by different sources, not as a confirmed measurement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Queensland’s current crocodile-reporting guidance
For a crocodile emergency, the Queensland Government says to call 000, or 112 from some mobile phones. To report a crocodile sighting, it lists the QWildlife app, an online reporting form, or 1300 130 372 (Option 1). The government says prompt reports are useful because crocodiles are highly mobile. These are current general directions, not evidence that any particular action would have prevented Bairstow’s attack. Queensland Government: report a crocodile sighting.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- If your child loves swamp-inspired fun, then this green alligator plush toy is the perfect option as a toddler toy.
- Crafted with durable stitching and lifelike accents, this realistic stuffed animal alligator plushie is easy to cuddle all day long.
- Little ones love the look and feel of this gator plushie with a green soft body, a scaled back, a long tail and big, curious eyes.
- You’ve found the best birthday gift for boys and girls with this cute alligator stuffed animal that is portable and lovable.
- Combining play with Earth-sustaining practices, The Petting Zoo is committed to providing little ones with cute and cuddly plush toys that are made from recycled water bottles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
