A five-day search for a crocodile in waters off North Stradbroke Island has been scaled back.

Authorities have been thoroughly combing through the area with boats, helicopters and drones following reports of a three-metre saltwater croc in the area.

There have been a number of reported sightings in the last few days but the Department of Environment and Science said its investigations hadn’t turned up anything.

“Although there have been a number of possible sightings since the initial sighting was reported investigations to date have not been able to confirm the presence of a crocodile,” the DES said in a statement on Monday morning.

“However, numerous dugongs have been sighted in those areas.

“Although the sighting report was unusual, as Minjerribah is not considered to be typical crocodile habitat, the department investigates all crocodile sightings, regardless of the location in Queensland.”

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