Public told to ‘stay away’ from Ferndale Lake as rangers move in on croc
PORT DOUGLAS
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- Crocodile snatches pet dog from Port Douglas lake
RANGERS will attempt to forcibly capture the crocodile that killed a pet dog at Ferndale Lake.
A ‘2.5 metre’ saltwater crocodile snatched a bullmastiff on Tuesday afternoon in front of shocked onlookers.
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) have asked the Port Douglas community to 'stay away' from the area as attempts are made to remove the croc.
The operation is likely to involve harpooning techniques given the floating crocodile trap currently in the lake has failed to catch the animal.
“Wildlife officers conducted an urgent site assessment of the area last night and will continue to monitor the area today (Wednesday),” an EHP spokesperson said.
“At about 6pm last night, DES received a call from a member of the public to report that the crocodile had taken their dog while it was off its leash next to the lake.”
The crocodile is believed to be the same animal wildlife officers have been targeting for removal since a reported sighting on a suburban Port Douglas street last month.
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“At this time of year, crocodiles may move about into lower-lying areas near rivers and waterways where they would not normally be seen, due to heavy rainfall and rising and lowering water levels,” the EHP spokesperson.
More to come...
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