People feeding crocodiles are being blamed for encouraging a giant reptile to harass boats in Cooktown.
Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science removed the croc on after receiving reports that it was hanging around the main boat ramp at the north Queensland town Cooktown.
“Reports indicated that the crocodile had been approaching people and boats, which suggested that it had been fed,” said Minister for Environment, Leeanne Enoch. “It is very important for residents and visitors to north and far north Queensland to be aware that no matter how many crocodiles have been removed, no waterway in croc country can ever be considered to be free of crocodiles.
Ms Enoch reminded the public about the dangers of feeding crocodiles in the wild and leaving fish scraps at boat ramps.
“This can lead to the animals associating humans with food, which poses a serious safety risk,” she said. “That’s why it’s important to be crocwise in croc country.”
Wildlife officers believe the croc had been moving between the Cooktown Wharf area and Finch Bay.
And in Western Australia, the authorities are warning people not to risk entering waters that may be inhabited by crocs.
It follows news that a man was attacked while retrieving a fishing net at a waterway near Wyndham. Luckily, a quick-thinking friend managed to pull Samuel Birch to safety after a saltwater crocodile lunged leaving him only with a scratch on his leg.
“People are encouraged not to risk their lives by entering the water of an established saltwater crocodile habitat,” the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said in a statement. “Northern Australian waters all have the potential to contain saltwater crocodiles.”
The crocodile will not be destroyed as the department only intervenes when an animal is close to a town and poses a threat to residents.
Try cruising down the Adeaide River in a tinnie passing the Jumping Crocodile Cruise tourist boats feeding the monster crocs leaping out of the water for a feed.
Patrick.
This practice should be banned immediately. It would not be the tourists in the large boats who would become the croc next victim.
No need for this type of practice.
John
Yes Pat that is a big problem, but it will be the same old story nothing done until there is a fatality. That’s why the Katter boys want to start a cull in Qld.
Definitely need a cull, the crocs have taken over nth Qld beaches & rivers they progress further Sth all the time, it will eventually kill the tourism business if left unchecked.