Fishers warned not to dump frames, bait after croc removed from Redbank boat ramp

A crocodile has been removed from a Cairns boat ramp after it was declared a “problem” animal. But it was something else seen in the area that has prompted a caution from authorities.

ANGLERS have been urged to properly dispose of fish frames and bait after a 2.2m crocodile was removed from a boat ramp near Cairns.

The Department of Environment and Science confirmed the animal had been declared a “problem crocodile” after wildlife officers conducted a night-time spotlight assessment of the Redbank boat ramp at Packers Camp.

The crocodile was observed staying around the boat ramp.

A 2.2m crocodile was removed from the Redbank boat ramp on October 15. PHOTO: Queensland Government, Department of Environment and Science.

Warning signs at the Redbank boat ramp near Cairns. PHOTO: Queensland Government, Department of Environment and Science.

Officers set a baited trap in early September and the crocodile was captured on October 15, a spokesman said.

The area is Zone C under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, which means any crocodile of 2m or greater in length is targeted for removal.

The spokesman said wildlife officers noticed discarded fish frames and crab shells in the area during an inspection.

“Wildlife officers are concerned the crocodile may have been hanging around the boat ramp because people had been deliberately or inadvertently feeding it discarded fish frames, bait and other scraps,” he said.

“People should use bins at boat ramps to properly dispose of fish scraps and unwanted bait, or dispose of disused bait and fish carcasses at home.”

The spokesman said the normal process for removed crocodiles was to relocate them to a registered farm or zoo.

Originally published as Fishers warned not to dump frames, bait after croc removed from Redbank boat ramp