Croc advocates angry social media post culminates in croc shooting

Crocodile conservationists have reacted angrily to the shooting death of a Cape York crocodile which is believed to have taken numerous dogs, with the state government saying it was unable to humanely transport the reptile.

Crocodile conservationists have reacted angrily to the shooting death of a Cape York crocodile which is believed to have taken numerous dogs, with the state government saying it was unable to humanely transport the reptile.

The well known crocodile at Napranum came under the spotlight recently when a man controversially posted a social media video of it attacking a dog.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said reports of sightings were received on April 28 and on May 8, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council contacted DES expressing concern at the safety risk the crocodile posed to the local community, and requesting assistance in managing the crocodile.

“Wildlife officers conducted a site assessment and attempted to haze the animal – using nonlethal pellets – to drive it away from the beach area,” the spokesman said.

“Agro” the giant 4.7m crocodile attacks keeper Brian Coulter’s lawnmower while mowing the enclosure area at Australia Zoo in 2000. Picture: Supplied

“During the assessment wildlife officers observed bold behaviour by the animal and made the assessment that it represented an unacceptable risk to the safety of the community,” he said.

After community consultation the decision was made that the animal should be euthanised.

“The animal could not have been humanely transported to a farm or zoo due to the distance from remote Napranum to a suitable facility and the very low survival rate of crocodiles transported long distances by road,” he said.

“Historically, captured crocodiles have been observed to experience slow and painful deaths, sometimes taking months, after being transported long distances by road.”

A small dog has been snatched by a huge croc near Weipa. Picture: Supplied

But ecologist Brian Coulter, who worked in the crocodile section of Australia Zoo for 17 years, disputed this assertion.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.

“I have moved crocodiles from Cape York and the Kimberley all around Australia and it can be achieved very easily,” Mr Coulter said.

“Going out and shooting them is the easiest option. We need to come up with better alternatives. We need to be protecting these animals.”

Katter’s Australian Party has called for crocodiles to be culled after Laura publican Kevin Darmody was taken by a crocodile at Lakefield National Park, which is a crocodile conservation zone and was closed at the time.

An estuarine crocodile on the banks of the Daintree River. Picture: David White

Crocodile conservationist and Solar Whisper boat tour owner David White said it was a terrible result because a video was posted for attention.

“They knew the croc was there and that it would obviously attack the dog, I am told this croc had eaten 16 dogs,” Mr White said.

“How that keeps happening is beyond me.

“I understand DES are in a difficult position because if this croc attacked a person, then DES could be blamed for it, so they are ‘damned if they do, and damned if they don’t’, a difficult position to be in.”

Crocodiles are being shot because people are making poor choices and not being crocwise, according to Daintree River wildlife expert David White, of Solar Whisper Crocodile and Wildlife Cruises, pictured with his dog Dougie. Photo: Mark Murray

Mr White asked if the DES officers held a meeting in the community to deliver the crocwise message.

“DES cannot be liable for your poor choices and your safety and your pet’s safety is your responsibility,” Mr White said.

He said he didn’t know why DES would say transporting the animal was not an option.

“It is very sad the last four crocs killed have been in remote areas – where can these animals live in peace?

“I think the government needs to get an environmental lawyer to write up a disclaimer for the entire croc country, if you do not act in a crocwise manner in the event of an attack the government cannot be liable for your poor choices.”

Mr White said the crocodiles in CrocArena at Wildlife Habitat at Port Douglas were transported 1700km and they were 4.5m in length.

Napranum is between Mapoon and Aurukun in Cape York, 800km north west of Cairns.

Originally published as Croc advocates angry social media post culminates in croc shooting