Community
20 December, 2024
‘No fear’ croc moved
A LARGE crocodile nearly 4m long that took a steer during mustering operations and showed no fear of people has been removed from the wild near Tully.
On November 27, a grazier took a video of the crocodile taking the steer at Boar Creek and reported the incident to the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI).
Two weeks later, on December 12, the 3.9m crocodile was captured in a baited trap set on the bank of the creek. It will be provided to a crocodile farm or zoo.
“During the investigation, wildlife officers observed the crocodile sunning itself on a bank of Boar Creek and found evidence that it had been eating cattle carcasses near the creek,” a departmental spokesman said.
“Crocodiles that can access food such as cattle carcasses or fish frames at boat ramps are more likely to be removed from the wild than those left to source their own food,” he said.
“Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of this crocodile or any crocodile is asked to call DETSI on 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.
“The Tully area is ‘croc country’.
“Despite the removal of this crocodile, people still need to be ‘crocwise’ in the Boar Creek area as other crocodiles could move in at any time.
“Summer is crocodile breeding season and male crocodiles can become aggressive and territorial.
“People are responsible for their own safety in croc country and we’re asking people to make sensible choices around the water.
“Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland crocodile management plan.
“Residents and visitors in croc country are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings in a timely manner to the department.
“Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.”
People in Croc Country are urged to be CrocWise. Visit https://bit.ly/3ZFZLht
