Target croc evades capture over weekend
PORT DOUGLAS
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WILDLIFE officers have identified the target crocodile believed responsible for the disappearance of Anne Cameron.
Three overnight searches have failed to capture the animal despite carefully placed traps in Craiglie Creek.
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection expanded its 'reconnaissance' last night to cover a larger area, including the Mowbray River.
Ms Cameron, 79, was last seen on Tuesday afternoon leaving her Ozcare aged care facility home. Her clothing, a walking stick and human remains were found in the crocodile inhabited area 48 hours later.
EHP Wildlife Director Michael Joyce said his officers were confident the target croc is within the thick mangrove area of Craiglie Creek, just south of Port Douglas.
“After extensive boat, on-foot and aerial surveillance including a drone and helicopter, we now have a target area – the muddy waters of the mangroves within the narrow Craiglie Creek,” Joyce said.
“This is an important development in locating the target crocodile.
“At this stage, we believe the animal is not within the Mowbray River system, Dicksons Inlet or Four Mile Beach area, based on our observations of the local crocodile populations.
“Our focus at the moment is on the Craiglie Creek area."
A gate trap baited with pig carcass has been set at the bank at the centre of the police investigation area, and a floating crocodile trap approximately 500 metres downstream.
"We will also continue our attempts to do direct capture methods, and therefore, we will be patrolling the entire 2.3 kilometre Craiglie system," Joyce said.
"What we're trying to do is entice the crocodile with a range of methods to maximise our chances of catching the target animal.
“Ten EHP wildlife officers who are experts in crocodile behaviour, biology, ecology and management are on the ground here in Port Douglas, with the support of another 10 EHP staff.
“In the interest of public safety, we ask people to stay away from the area."
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