WILDLIFE officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection have captured and removed a 4.2 metre crocodile that was ‘approaching boats and people’ in Dicksons Inlet today.

A floating cage was deployed last month after numerous reports of the massive reptile being seen near the boat ramp next to the Tin Shed. It was often spotted laying on the rocks beneath the restaurant and was seen swimming past the Sugar Wharf yesterday before being caught overnight.

An EHP spokesperson said the saltwater crocodiles behaviour suggested people may have been feeding it or leaving fish scraps in the water.

“The very large size of the animal means it is an ‘icon crocodile’ under Queensland’s conservation laws and there are special requirements about placing and keeping the animal,”  the spokesperson said.

“Once caught…it must only be sent to a registered crocodile farm or zoo which agrees to house it for the rest of its days and to use it for educational purposes.”

It is one of many recent sightings in Port Douglas, with EHP confirming they’ve been called a number of times about a crocodile at Four Mile Beach.

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