Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) have completed a two-day course at Rockhampton to enhance their ability to manage crocodiles safely.
Southern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations Manager at DES, Frank Mills said the officers undertook regular training to ensure they were equipped with the latest skills to assess the behaviour and transport of the giant semi-aquatic reptiles, as well as the ability to install traps.
Mr Mills said the training helped keep the officers, the public and the crocodiles safe in Queensland’s croc country.
“Problem crocodiles are removed and rehomed at croc farms or zoos,” he said.
“Using the correct methods of tracking, assessing, trapping or removing a croc are not only essential to the safety of the officers, but also to the safety and wellbeing of the animals.”
Mr Mills said the training included the towing and setting up of croc traps (pictured), a night-time survey of the Fitzroy River and lessons in crocodile behaviour and anatomy.
“Estuarine crocodiles can grow more than five metres long and weigh more than 500 kilos, and, as with all wild animals, they have minds of their own, which means our wildlife officers need to be able to act calmly, safely and with confidence while in the field,” he said.
“Further training is planned in the future to provide officers with the opportunity to develop and refine their croc-management abilities,” Mr Mills said.
