‘He might get shot’: Feral pig gutting attracts Cyril the Croc to Cullen Point boat ramp

The gutting of a feral pig at Cullen Point in Far North Queensland has attracted crocodiles and put humans and animals at a risk, a council CEO says.

The gutting of a feral pig at Cullen Point in Far North Queensland has attracted crocodiles and put humans and animals at a risk, a council CEO says.

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council CEO Tom Smith said somebody had gutted the pig at Cullen Point Boat Ramp.

A salt water crocodile, also called a saltie or estuarine crocodile, shows its teeth in Queensland, Australia. Picture: iStock.

The “stinking offal” left at the water’s edge has attracted a crocodile locals call Cyril.

“This has now encouraged Cyril the crocodile to patrol 10 metres across the mouth of the boat ramp for a good smelly feed or the odd juicy human leg or dog chomp on,” Mr Smith said.

He said the “irresponsible behaviour is putting lives at risk” and “attracting” the crocodile to human activity.

A saltwater crocodile slips into the water on a beach at Mapoon. Picture: David Caird

The warning comes as the state government appears likely to bring in new laws that would fine people who ignore crocodile warnings.

Under the proposed laws which have been considered by the Department of Environment and Science and have just moved to the Department of Attorney-General for further consideration, rangers would be given the power to fine people who ignored official safety messaging.

“Mr or Mrs Pig Hunter. Please be responsible for your fellow humans and let Cyril find his own natural food preventing him being shot or trapped as a problem animal,” Mr Smith said.

Originally published as ‘He might get shot’: Feral pig gutting attracts Cyril the Croc to Cullen Point boat ramp