Huge 3.8m croc put down after ‘stalking’ surfer and fisherman

Wildlife officers have euthanised a large saltie posing a risk to the North Queensland community following reports it stalked a surfer and a fisherman. SEE THE PHOTOS

Wildlife officers have euthanised a large saltie posing a risk to the North Queensland community following reports it stalked a surfer and a fisherman.

DES Senior Wildlife Officer Jane Burns said a member of the public spotted the 3.8m crocodile approaching and following him to shore while he was surfing at North Wall Beach on February 9.

The man “quickly warned other swimmers of the presence of the animal, and the crocodile then reportedly approached other swimmers, some of whom had to scramble up a rock wall to evade the animal,” Ms Burns said.

The croc was then seen in the Mackay Marina prompting wildlife officers to conduct night-time spotlight searches at the harbour, Eimeo Creek, McCready’s Creek and then Reliance Creek.

Ms Burns said on February 14 a fisherman reported a large crocodile had aggressively stalked him on the banks of Reliance Creek and he had to throw rocks at it to drive it away.

A surfer first spotted this 3.8m crocodile approaching and following him to shore while at Mackay’s North Wall Beach.

“The animal was later observed by wildlife officers in the Mackay Marina. Temporary recent crocodile sighting warning signs were installed in the area.

The death of the crocodile has been met with criticism on social media.

Lesley Keegan wrote: “I know it can be difficult to capture crocodiles, but it would have been great to see some attempt made to relocate it. A capture and release would have been a great training project for those involved for future relocations. I'm am truly disappointed in this outcome. Our living wonders need our protection. We are the interlopers here, not them.”

Madalyn Barrett wrote: “We kill a crocodile for stalking someone. yet kids can assault an elderly man, who dies from his injuries, and they are already out on bail. What a world we live in.”

Alzz Maree was also not impressed: “The poor thing is in its own habitat and gets killed because a human got to close to it?? Like wtf??? Maybe if (people) had some more common sense and stayed out of the crocodiles habitat, then we wouldn't be doing these senseless killings to the poor animal! Some humans are just inhumane!”

DES wildlife officers were forced to humanely euthanise a large croc that posed a risk to the community following reports it stalked a surfer and fisherman within days. Picture: DES

‘MACKAY IS CROC COUNTRY’

Ms Burns said estuarine crocodiles are highly mobile, and people in the wider Mackay region should be vigilant at all times.

“Since the beginning of 2023, there has already been 23 reported crocodile sightings in the Mackay region. By contrast, there has only been four crocodile sightings reported in the Rockhampton region.

People are being urged not to be complacent about crocodiles.

“Mackay is Croc Country, and people are urged not to be complacent with their own safety or the safety of their family or their pets when they are in or near the water.

“During the recent investigation, wildlife officers located a 2.7m crocodile in Reliance Creek and a smaller animal in another nearby creek.

“Those animals were assessed as not posing a danger to the community, but people must understand that crocodiles are widely distributed throughout the Mackay region.

You have to keep an eye out for these critters.

“In December last year, a 2-metre crocodile was removed from the wild at Bloomsbury and sent to a local farm.

“Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country.”

Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.

Members of the public are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings as soon as possible, by using the QWildlife App on their smart phone or by calling 1300 130 372. DES investigates all reports it receives.