A massive saltwater crocodile has been removed from a north Queensland creek.
It was then euthanised on the spot after it was assessed as posing an ‘unacceptable danger’ to the public.
The 3.8-metre reptile had previously been reported as following a surfer to shore at North Wall Beach, in Mackay
“The man quickly warned other swimmers of the presence of the animal, and the crocodile then reportedly approached other swimmers, some of whom had to scramble up a rock wall to evade the animal,” said Senior Wildlife Officer, Jane Burns. “The animal was later observed by wildlife officers in the Mackay Marina.”
The croc posed an 'unacceptable danger'. PIC: Department of Environment and Science
Temporary ‘recent crocodile sighting warning signs’ were installed in the area, and wildlife officers conducted night-time spotlight searches around the harbour, Eimeo Creek and McCready’s Creek before extending their search into Reliance Creek.
A few days later, the croc made its presence felt again.
“A fisherman reported that a large estuarine crocodile had aggressively stalked him on the banks of Reliance Creek, describing how he had thrown rocks at it to drive it away,” said Ms Burns. “Wildlife officers assessed the animal as posing an unacceptable danger to the community and made the decision to humanely euthanise the crocodile on the spot.”
Temporary warning signs were erected. PIC: Department of Environment and Science
Since the beginning of 2023, there has already been 23 reported crocodile sightings in the Mackay region.
“Mackay is Croc Country, and people are urged not to be complacent with their own safety or the safety of their family or their pets when they are in or near the water,” said Ms Burns. “During the recent investigation, wildlife officers located a 2.7m crocodile in Reliance Creek and a smaller animal in another nearby creek … remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country.”
People are warned to expect crocodiles in all Mackay waterways even if there is no warning sign; to stand back from the water’s edge when fishing; to camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water; and to never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, campsite or boat ramp
Earlier this month, 3.4-metre saltwater crocodile was pulled from the popular swimming hole at Wangi Falls in the Northern Territory’s Litchfield National Park.
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The wildlife officers are an unacceptable danger to croc’s, they need a different type of employment. If there are signs warning people that there are croc’s around then more fool them for swimming and fishing or just being closer than 50m to the water. You can’t help stupidity unfortunately.