Croc was removed after being sighted off Four Mile Beach: Minister

CROC MANAGEMENT



A 2.6 metre crocodile was removed from the mouth of Dickson Inlet earlier today after it was captured in a trap and occurred just weeks after the area was rezoned under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.

The Environment Minister Steven Miles said wildlife officers had deployed a trap at the mouth of the inlet after receiving a sighting report on 12 July.

“A member of the public saw a crocodile leaving Dickson Inlet with a turtle in its jaws, around 200 metres north of the Four Mile Beach patrolled area and just 20 metres off the headland shore,” Mr Miles said.

Onlookers believed the crocodile resembled the Sunbaking Crocodile snapped in early April posing on a pontoon in front of tourists aboard one of the Calypso reef vessels. 

The 'Sunbaking Crocodile' named by tourists after this unique encounter in April earlier this year. Image Newsport

“In accordance with the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, wildlife officers targeted the animal for removal and recent sighting warning signs were deployed as well as a baited crocodile trap.”

Mr Miles confirmed the crocodile was removed today after being trapped overnight. The animal will be relocated to a crocodile farm or zoo where it will spend the rest of its days.

“Wildlife officers do not believe this was the target animal and so the trap will remain deployed for the time being,” Mr Miles said.

“It is possible that the target animal was only moving through the area. Crocodiles are highly mobile animals and will use the ocean to travel between estuaries and inland waterways.”

Four Mile Beach and its environs are well within known crocodile country. EHP strongly reminds residents and visitors that no matter how many crocodiles have been removed, no waterway in croc country can ever be considered to be free of crocodiles.

In particular:

• Obey croc warning signs
• Don’t swim or let domestic pets swim in waters where crocs may live
• Be aware that crocodiles also swim in the ocean
• Stand back from the water when fishing or cast netting
• Never provoke, harass or feed crocs
• Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, a camp site or boat ramp
• Never interfere with or fish or boat near crocodile traps, and
• Always supervise children
• Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country.
Further information on being Crocwise is available at
http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/crocodiles/crocodiles__be_croc_wise.html

Environmental Heritage and Protection Officers wrestle the 2.6m croc into their vessel before tagging it to relocate. Image Newsport

Crocodile sightings can be reported to EHP on 1300 130 372 and the department investigates all crocodile reports it receives.

Please see these helpful safety videos for people who may be fishing or boating:
http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/crocodiles/crocodiles__be_croc_wise.html



Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

* Readers are encouraged to use their full details below to ensure comment legitimacy. Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport or its staff. Comments containing unlawful, obscene, defamatory or abusive material will not be published.