The crocodile is 4.2m long and will be placed in a farm or zoo that use it for educational purposes
A large crocodile that was behaving aggressively around boats and reportedly lunged at the resident of a houseboat in the Cardwell Marina has been captured in a baited trap.
The crocodile was captured in a baited trap on 13 May 2024, less than a week after a three-metre, non-target animal was caught in the same location.
The targeted animal was reported to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation in April after scaring the houseboat resident, and it was also reported to have taken a dog.
Wildlife officer Ella Meeve said due to its large size, (greater than 4m) the crocodile must be dealt with as an ‘icon crocodile’ under Queensland’s conservation laws.
“This means the decision on where the crocodile will be placed and housed must be made in consultation with the relevant Traditional Owners,” she said.
“It also means that the animal may only be placed with a registered crocodile farm or zoo which agrees to use it for educational purposes about crocodile conservation and their ecology.
“Two crocodiles that moved into the marina have been removed from the wild, but I’m asking everyone who uses the marina to continue to be Crocwise, because Cardwell is Croc Country.
“People should expect crocodiles in all Cardwell waters, even if there are no warning signs, and I’d like to remind people that they are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country.
“I am asking everyone who uses the marina to make sensible choices around the water, and that includes the proper disposal of unwanted bait and fish frames.
“We believe the animals entered the marina because they could smell baited crab pots, or were being deliberately or inadvertently fed by people discarding fish frames in the area.
“While retrieving the trap from the marina, wildlife officers were able to provide Crocwise information to residents of the marina, and we thank them for their cooperation.
“People in Croc Country must dispose of bait and fish frames properly and they must ensure baited crab pots are not left above the low tide mark.”
Ms Meeve said the crocodile will be housed temporarily in a DESI holding facility while the relevant Traditional Owners were consulted about its future placement.
“We would like to thank the people who reported the crocodiles to the department,” she said.
“It is important that all crocodile sightings are reported to us, as it gives us an understanding of the location and behaviour of the animals.
“Wildlife officers investigate every crocodile sighting report we receive, and information from the public helps keep people safe.
“Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, all crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are automatically targeted for removal.”
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DESI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.
People in the Cardwell area are urged to be Crocwise, which includes:
- Expect crocodiles in all 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 crocodile traps – that includes when 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 well back from the edge of the water
- Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
- Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs
- Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.
