Swift action on 'four-metre' beach crocodile

CROC TRAP

Last updated: 13/07/2017, 17:35:00 (AEST)

A 4.2 metre 'icon' crocodile removed from Port Douglas last year. A crocodile trap will be deployed after a similar sized animal closed down Four Mile Beach yesterday. IMAGE: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

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THE new crocodile management zoning in Port Douglas has been swiftly put into effect following the sighting of a large crocodile on Four Mile Beach.

Lifeguards spotted a four-metre croc sometime after 2pm yesterday near the rocks at the northern end of the beach. Witnesses said it had a turtle in its mouth. There have been reports it vanished from sight before resurfacing adjacent to the patrol hut forcing the closure of the beach.

Rangers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection have confirmed they will place a floating crocodile trap to remove the animal.

“Wildlife officers….are targeting a four metre crocodile for removal after receiving reports from lifeguards that it was seen 200 metres north of the Four Mile Beach patrolled area," a spokesperson from the Department told Newsport today.

A recent crocodile sighting warning sign at Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas this morning. IMAGE: Newsport.

“The crocodile was also reportedly sighted exiting Dicksons Inlet with a turtle in its mouth.

“Wildlife officers consider this crocodile a threat to the public and will deploy a trap for the animal following a site assessment of the area.

“Lifeguards have placed recent crocodile sighting warning signs in the area and will be responsible for deciding when the patrolled sections of the beach should be opened or closed.”

It’s part of the new Targeted Beach Management Zoning of Four Mile Beach allowing for the removal of any crocodile larger than two metres.

The Department also confirmed they’d removed a smaller crocodile from near the Daintree Ferry boat ramp that had been acting aggressively towards fishermen.

They believe the croc may have been fed fish scraps triggering its reaction towards humans.

To report a croc sighting call the CrocWatch hotline on 1300 130 372.