Constant Creek crocodile inspires local author Michelle Wilson to write first children's book - ABC News

From the murky banks of a North Queensland creek to learning child's pose on a yoga mat, this well-known crocodile has become the star of its own story.

Key points:

• A crocodile from Constant Creek near Mackay has inspired a children's book
• Crocs Don't Do Yoga focuses on mindfulness and is local author Michelle Wilson's first book
• Locals say they're stoked that the well-known animal stars in the book

The reptile in Constant Creek, north of Mackay, has been filmed by many fishers over the years, with videos shared on Facebook garnering hundreds of thousands of views.

"I reckon he's one of the most-filmed crocodiles in Australia," local boatie Shannon Burke said.

Ms Burke said the animal was a well-loved and well-known fixture of the creek, which is popular among fishers. 

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"A lot of the older fishermen that have been there definitely know him," she said.

"It's a bit of an adrenaline rush, [but] he's super relaxed, he's used to boats cruising past."

The croc's notoriety has inspired a local author to put pen to paper, with the local icon starring as the main character in the children's book Crocs Don't Do Yoga.

Author and primary school teacher Michelle Wilson said she was inspired by her trips up Constant Creek.

"My mum and daughter were playing a weird game one day pretending to be crocodiles snapping at each other," Ms Wilson said.

"And I don’t know what happened but I just came up with the character, Connie the Croc from Constant Creek."

'Crocs Don't Do Yoga' is primary school teacher Michelle Wilson's first book.

"At the same time I was doing a lot of yoga so I just married the two concepts together."

The book focusses on a snappy crocodile that struggles to control its anger – until some animal friends from Constant Creek suggest trying out yoga.

Ms Wilson said it was difficult to know where to start with the publishing process as a new writer.

"It's a pretty saturated market, you've got a lot of excellent writers and celebrities writing [kids' books]."

Meanwhile, locals are stoked to have their favourite reptile recognised further.

"The fishermen all seem to love and respect him," Ms Burke said.

"I've got a lot of friends that backpack and one of their first questions is, 'Where's the best place to see crocodiles?'

"One of our local creeks just north of Mackay is one of the best places to go."

The Queensland Department of Environment urges people to be "Crocwise" – by reporting sightings, keeping away from the water's edge and not feeding the crocodiles.

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Constant Creek crocodile inspires local author Michelle Wilson to write first children's book - ABC News
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