Decision made on removal of MONSTER Russell River croc

State wildlife officials have responded to local concerns after a big croc moved into new territory at East Russell, a stone’s throw from the mouth of Babinda Creek. SEE THE PHOTOS

STATE wildlife officials have responded to concerns after a big croc moved into new territory at East Russell.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman confirmed on June 21 reports of a 3-4m crocodile had been spotted in the vicinity of Clyde Rd bridge.

“DES understands from the report the crocodile was not behaving in an aggressive or otherwise dangerous manner,” he said.

“There are currently no plans to target this crocodile for removal, unless it demonstrates behaviour indicating it is a threat to public safety.

“Crocodiles are cold blooded animals and tend to become more noticeable at this time of year as they spend hours at a time basking in the sun on stream banks to raise their body temperature.”

On Thursday local Gus Lee issued a warning about the croc he said could become a “problem.”

“Someone might get taken,” he said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible by calling 1300 130 372 or through the Qwildlife app.

EARLIER: A concerned resident has issued a grave warning after spotting a newly-arrived 4m crocodile on a popular fishing river south of Cairns.

The large croc has been spotted most days this week on the bank of the Russell River from the Clyde St bridge by longtime local Gus Lee.

The East Russell fruit grower said a smaller resident croc named Clyde was well known in the area but the new arrival was much bigger and exhibited no fear of humans. Mr Lee was concerned about the threat the animal presented to boaties and kayakers using the river.

“We might have a tragedy waiting to happen,” he said.

“People that live around here may be aware of him but others that fish in the river might not know.

“I have seen him three times in the last three weeks.”

At Clyde Rd bridge this week, a new big croc has moved into a stretch of the Russell River. Picture: Gus Lee

Mr Lee said deer from a nearby farm had been known to escape into the wild and could be a food source attracting the animal to the area.

“The crocs are taking the deer. He is fat and he is well fed,” he said.

“He is big and fat that’s why I went to the police to see what happened with crocs that become a problem.

East Russell resident Clyde Rd Gus Lee is concerned about a new croc at the Clyde Rd bridge across the Russell River. Picture: Gus Lee

“The crocs are so big now that are not scared of humans, now they just observe you.”

Spotted 350m from where the popular Babinda Creek meets the Russell River, Mr Lee said it was no longer safe to kayak on the river.

“I have a mate that used to kayak up the river but he does not do it anymore because the attitude of the croc has changed,” he said.

“I think it’s becoming a problem on the river. Someone might get taken.”

After talking to a local croc expert Mr Lee said judging by the colour the animal was likely to have moved from the Eubenangee Swamp about 10km south of where it was again spotted on Friday.

The presence of the new arrival had been reported to the Department of Environment and Science.

A 5 m "icon" saltwater crocodile has been trapped at a popular swimming hole near Babinda. The animal, is being held at a secret Cairns location ahead of being moved to a registered crocodile farm or zoo.

The large croc sighting follows the removal of a battle-scarred and toothless five metre “icon” croc from a swimming hole near Babinda in November 2020.

A severe intestinal blockage meant the animal was in poor health and the croc was euthanized by wildlife officers.

In February last year the remains of Cairns yachtie Andy Heard was found inside the belly of a large croc that was eventually shot near Hinchinbrook Island.

A DES spokesman said the department had received a report of the Russell River croc and the sighting was under investigation.

Members of the public are encouraged to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible by calling 1300 130 372 or through the Qwildlife app.

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Originally published as Decision made on removal of MONSTER Russell River croc