Crocodile survivor Mark Ridge is lucky to be alive. Picture: Seven News Once Mr Ridge escaped the jaws of the croc, he swam 400m to shore to seek help. The search for the crocodile is set to be suspended today, with authorities believing it may have returned to the Barron River. I don t want them to catch it, I want them to shoot it, it s a menace, Mr Ridge said. The Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) yesterday said wildlife officers would search the area overnight, but would discontinue the search if it was not found. Queensland Environment Wildlife officers spotted a crocodile in Lake Placid just hours after Mr Ridge was attacked, but lost sight of it.