A freshwater crocodile has surprised residents by wandering into a north Queensland service station, prompting an unusual call to police.

The snappy customer was spotted wandering into the Townsville business on Tuesday night.

Police received the call from surprised residents about the 1.4-metre crocodile’s arrival at the service station after 7pm.

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Senior wildlife officer Tony Frisby soon arrived to snap up the roaming reptile.

Frisby said the freshie’s motives were a mystery.

“We do not know why the freshwater crocodile entered the service station,” he said.

“But with recent heavy rainfall, crocodiles of all sizes and species are on the move.”

Frisby said freshwater crocs were usually timid and not considered dangerous.

But he said the recent sighting was no joke.

“A crocodile walking into a service station is a reminder that Townsville is croc country and people should be crocwise at all times,” Frisby said.

“Freshwater crocodiles are timid and will usually flee at the first sight of people approaching.

“But they will act defensively if they feel cornered or threatened and people should observe them from a distance.”

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The reptile was taken to a government facility in Townsville, where it was placed into a secure pond.

The croc was found to be in a healthy condition and it was released into a suitable habitat in the nearby Ross River.

People are reminded to report all crocodile sightings to the environment department.

“Crocodiles can turn up in unexpected places during the warmer months as they move around looking for food, a mate and territory,” Frisby said.

“They can also seek higher ground or calmer waters during periods of heavy rain.”