The crocodile took more than a month to capture
Two large crocodiles have been removed from the wild in North Queensland, with one evading capture for almost a month.
An estimated 4.3-metre crocodile was captured in a trap on Sunday on the banks of a private property on the Herbert River, at Cordelia, and an estimated 3-metre crocodile was captured in a trap in the Ross River in Townsville.
Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby said the Herbert River crocodile had been declared a dangerous animal after lingering around the private property and stalking domestic and farmed animals.
“Thankfully the property owner reported the animal to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation,” Mr Frisby said.
“Wildlife officers investigate every sighting report, and when we observed the behaviour of the crocodile, we targeted it for removal from the wild.
“We tried an in-river floating trap but due to the amount of rainfall and elevated river levels, we had to install a gated trap, which is a trap that rests on the riverbank.
“On 24 March 2024, our remote camera confirmed the crocodile had entered the gated trap.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service would like to thank the property owner for reporting the crocodile and providing access to the riverbank.
“The crocodile on the Ross River had also been hanging around the weir for several weeks and it was targeted for removal from the wild due to its behaviour and risk it posed to public safety.
The animals will be placed in crocodile farms or zoos.
“People must understand that the removal of these crocodiles does not make the Herbert River or the Ross River safer.
“The Townsville region is Croc Country, and people should by Crocwise by making sensible choices around waterways and avoiding complacency.
“People need to be aware that they are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and should expect crocodiles in all waterways, even if there are no signs there.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings to DESI as soon as possible, through the QWildlife app, via the DESI website or by calling 1300 130 372.
Wildlife officers investigate every report we receive, and estuarine crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.
Crocwise tips for people in Croc Country:
- Expect crocodiles in ALL northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign
- Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
- Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
- Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating
- The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
- Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
- Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water
- Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, camp sites or boat ramps
- Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
- Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead
