The Department of Environment and Science says people who deliberately try to feed crocodiles can put lives at risk after wildlife officers fined seven people in a single incident last year.
The officers were installing new crocodile warning signs at the Proserpine River when members of the public told them that people were feeding crocodiles nearby.
Manager Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations at the Department, Michael Joyce said the officers observed the group for a short period and noticed a large crocodile near the bank pulling on a rope.
“After observing chicken meat attached to the end of the ropes and boxes of raw chicken meat beside the group and in a parked car, wildlife officers directed the ropes to be removed from the river,” Mr Joyce said.
“The ropes and boxes of chicken were then seized as evidence; all members of the group were interviewed and directed to leave the area,” he said.
Mr Joyce said members of the group were issued with $400 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for deliberately feeding a crocodile in the wild.
“One of the group members initially elected to contest their fine in court and the matter was resolved in December last year when the fine was paid,” he said.
The Manager said it was an offence under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 to feed a native animal in the wild if the animal was dangerous or venomous, or capable of injuring a person.
“Estuarine crocodiles, regardless of their size, clearly fall into that category,” he said.
“The deliberate feeding of crocodiles is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to the animals learning to associate people with food.
“These crocodiles may then start to approach other people for food or hang around areas such as boat ramps waiting for their next easy meal.”
Mr Joyce said, as a result, the deliberate feeding of crocodiles could place future visitors to the riverbank at that location at an increased risk of a crocodile attack.
He also urged boaties to heed the Department’s Crocwise safety messaging now the barramundi fishing season was under way, which can be accessed at this PS News link.
