Grey nomads heading north and everyone else up in croc country are once again being urged to treat the reptiles with the respect they deserve.
The appeal from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service follows the capture and removal of two large crocodiles from different locations on the Ingham area.
A 2.4 metre crocodile that had taken up residence in the Tyto Wetlands in Ingham was removed by direct capture during a spotlighting survey last week.
Under the new draft Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, it is proposed that the zoning of artificial ponds at the front of the Tyto Wetlands be changed so any crocodile of two metres or greater in length would be targeted for removal.
This 2.4-metre croc had taken up residence in the Tyto Wetlands. PIC: DESI
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation had received multiple sighting reports of the crocodile via the QWildlife app.
And just a day later, a crocodile that had lunged at a fisherman on the bank of Cattle Creek, near Ingham, was captured in a baited trap.
Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation set the trap near the Bruce Highway bridge over Cattle Creek, after the 3.6-metre crocodile lunged twice at the fisherman in April.
Wildlife Officer Ella Meeve said crocodiles can remain under underwater for long periods without being seen, waiting to ambush their prey.
“The absence of warning signs does not mean an absence of crocodiles and everyone in Croc Country should be Crocwise by making sensible choices around the water,” she said. “The removal of this animal does not mean there are no longer any crocodiles in Cattle Creek, and fishers are advised to stand well back from the water or behind a barrier such as an esky, while fishing.”
Ms Meeve said people were responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and warned that being complacent around the water can lead to dangerous situations.
Members of the public are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings to DESI as soon as possible, through the QWildlife app, via the DESI website or by calling 1300 130 372.
Wildlife officers investigate every sighting report, and estuarine crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal.
Crocwise tips for people in Croc Country:
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Why only relocate Salties over 2m in length?
Crocodiles up to 1.9 Meters can still kill the unwary – a 1m snapping handbag has the ability to tear off an arm or leg.
The only good crocodile is a ……………or a nice pair of boots.
Oh no! We still have a dangerous animal in Australia! Let’s quickly go out and shoot the lot of them!
Face it people, Australia is one of the safest places on earth, with respect to large wild animals. We have almost no large deadly animals here, and it is easy to avoid crocodiles, just by staying away from water up north. Remove them if they become pests but let’s not go overboard with trying to kill them off.