Up to 15 people attacked the crocodile as it swam in the Sanctuary Lakes at Gunn, Palmerston.
Darwin crocodile lover Craig West said he rushed to the croc’s aid after hearing reports of the attack, the Northern Territory News reports.
“When I arrived at the lake there was a group of 10 to 15 people standing at the water’s edge, throwing rocks at the crocodile,” he said.
“It was quite close to the bank and didn’t seem to be really scared at first – or maybe it was just really stressed out.”
The reptile – believed to be a baby freshie – was yesterday waiting to be rescued by rangers after the attack.
Mr West said he believed the crocodile was either a released pet or had been washed into the lake during the latest rain.
“Freshies breed in the dry season and, judging by the size, this one is only a few months old,” he said.
“It was only tiny.”
The crocodile lover said that he was “really p—– off” with the people’s behaviour.
“They weren’t even kids who didn’t know better. They were adults, trying to injure or kill the little thing.
“I don’t know what they thought. The croc wasn’t a threat. And it’s not only illegal to interfere with wildlife, it’s just plain cruel to try to injure the crocodile.”
Parks and Wildlife rangers yesterday morning placed a crocodile trap in the lake to rescue the reptile from its human predators.
According to the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, people interfering with protected wildlife face penalties of up to $55,000 in fines or five years in prison.