Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s (QPWS’s) wildlife hotline has received numerous reported sightings of the Cardwell crocodile from members of the public. The croc was seen on video footage eating two small sharks.
This comes off the back of a report that a member of the public allegedly fed a crocodile near the rail bridge over Salt Water Creek at Miallo.
The report prompted wildlife officers to remind the public of the Department of Environment and Science’s Crocwise messaging on the dangers of feeding crocodiles and leaving food scraps lying around.
“Feeding a crocodile is illegal, dangerous, and teaches crocodiles to associate humans with food,” the QPWS said.
Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, Cardwell is in Zone E (General Management Zone). This means that crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal.
However, this crocodile has not demonstrated dangerous behaviour towards humans.
“Cardwell is known croc country and people in the area are reminded to always be on alert,” the QPWS said.
Meanwhile, wildlife officers have humanely euthanised a 3.6-metre crocodile that attacked a man at Vyce’s Crossing in Weipa.
The officers captured the crocodile about 50 metres upstream of the swimming hole where the attack occurred on 31 January.
They found the animal to be in poor condition, emaciated and missing several teeth, and a decision was made to humanely euthanise it.
Separately, police can confirm that human remains have been located inside a crocodile which was removed by officers from near Hinchinbrook Island.
The 4.2-metre crocodile, which is believed to be the one involved in the death of a 69-year-old man, was examined by a specialist in Cairns.
Police investigations continue with officers preparing a report for the coroner.
