Cardwell crocodile: DESI wildlife officers wrangle problem saltie

Queensland wildlife officers have wrangled a problem saltwater from cyclonic floodwaters that inundated a woman’s backyard.

Queensland wildlife officers have wrangled a problem saltwater from cyclonic floodwaters that inundated a woman’s backyard.

The property owner from Carrhchan inland from Cardwell, between Cairns and Townsville, filmed the 2.5-metre saltie as it floated through a lagoon on her property.

“Here we go, there’s Mr Crocodile, you can him just there,” he home-owners says on the video.

“He’s just stopped behind that tree, there he goes, poking alone steady.”

The the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) said the residents were understandably concerned for the safety of their family, which includes small children, pets and livestock.

A screengrab from Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) video as North Queensland wildlife officers release a 2.5-metre saltwater crocodile into an enclosure in Townsville. Picture: Supplied

“Even though Cardwell is known Croc Country, to find the animal at a fence only 20 metres from their house was concerning,” wildlife officer Ella Meeve said.

“Although Cyclone Kirrily delayed our plans to remove the crocodile, we were able to install a trap once the wild weather passed and water levels stabilised.”

Wildlife officer Ella Meeve a saltwater crocodile captured near Ingham State High School. Picture: Supplied

Ms Meeve,who was also making headlines earlier this week, said it took a few days for the crocodile to enter a trap before it was removed from the property.

“This is a good reminder that crocodiles can turn up in unexpected places across croc country, especially during the wet season, so it’s important to always report croc sightings to DESI as soon as you can,” she said on Thursday.

The removed crocodile.

“The crocodile has been transported to the department’s holding facility in Townsville, where it will stay until wildlife officers can secure a new home for the animal at a licensed farm or zoo.”

Ms Meeve thanked the family for reporting the crocodile to the department so promptly.

DESI said the crocodile, also known as an estuarine crocodile, is believed to have moved into the lagoon during localised flooding caused by Cyclone Jasper.

Originally published as Cardwell crocodile: DESI wildlife officers wrangle problem saltie