Central Queensland crocodile to be removed after dangerous behaviour

Rangers are trying to trap a “highly habituated” crocodile, unafraid of human activity or noise amid claims fishos are feeding the reptile. VIDEO, PHOTOS

A 2m juvenile crocodile that has shown no fear of wildlife officers on the Capricorn Coast will now be targeted for removal.

The crocodile has been regularly seen around the Coorooman Creek boat ramp in Zilzie since about December 2023.

Wildlife officer Alexander Peters said a member of the public reported that the crocodile was basking in the sun near the boat ramp to Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) on April 28, 2024.

“We conducted a spotlight survey, and the crocodile deliberately approached our vessel and showed no fear of wildlife officers or the noise we made,” Mr Peters said.

“A 2m crocodile is considered to be a juvenile animal, and it should be wary of boats, of people and of the activity at the boat ramp.

“But it was obvious that the crocodile had become highly habituated, and we believe it has been approaching people in boats for a free feed.

“We suspect people have been deliberately feeding the crocodile from their boats and have either deliberately or inadvertently left unwanted bait and fish frames at the boat ramp.

“It is extremely disappointing that we are targeting this animal for removal from the wild due to the careless actions of people.

“The deliberate and inadvertent feeding of crocodiles is extremely dangerous behaviour, as the animal will expect food from people and could become aggressive if it doesn’t receive it.”

Mr Peters said back in March, wildlife officers conducted a site inspection at the boat ramp and observed the two-meter crocodile loitering nearby.

“We provided Crocwise information to people at the boat ramp in March and issued a plea via local media for the careless behaviour to stop,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the careless behaviour has continued, and the crocodile will suffer by being removed from the wild and placed with a farm or zoo.

“People need to be aware that they are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and deliberately or inadvertently feeding crocodiles is not Crocwise behaviour.”

Mr Peters said if they successfully removed the crocodile from the wild, people still needed to remain Crocwise at Coorooman Creek and the boat ramp area, as it is still Croc Country.

“In March, we reviewed social media videos showing a large crocodile in the area, and people should expect crocodiles in all local waterways, even if there are no signs,” he said,

“The greater Rockhampton region is Croc Country, and people should by Crocwise by making sensible choices around waterways.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report all crocodile sightings to DESI as soon as possible, through the QWildlife app, via the DESI website or by calling 1300 130 372.

Wildlife officers investigate every report we receive, and estuarine crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.