Croc traps set in Fitzroy training exercise to prepare for catching menacing

DES officers undertook a training exercise where croc traps were set to prepare for jobs ahead, but the department has warned locals to be wary in croc country. Watch the video.

Despite more than a dozen crocodile sightings in and around Rockhampton and Yeppoon, there are no reptiles being targeted for removal so far this year, but residents may see traps in the river.

This week the Department of Environment and Science officers honed in their croc trap skills, preparing for when they need to be deployed to remove a crocodile in the region’s waterways.

Officers conducted their training exercise in the Fitzroy River near the boat ramp across from the rowing club earlier this week.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment and Science said since January 1 there had been 20 crocodile sightings in the greater Rockhampton region that were reported to the Department of Environment and Science.

A crocodile was trapped by the Department of Environment and Science at Pink Lily in 2020.

“This includes crocodiles in the Fitzroy River and near the Yeppoon coast,” the spokesman said.

“The Rockhampton region is croc country, and people are urged to be Crocwise.

“Crocodile sightings can be reported to the department by using the QWildlife app, by phoning 1300 130 372; or by going to www.des.qld.gov.au and selecting “Report an issue”.”

Over the weekend, vision of a crocodile swimming down the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton’s railway bridge was shared on social media.

The prehistoric-like creature was reported to DES but no further action was taken as it was playing ‘good croc’.

In January a crocodile was spotted swimming at Yeppoon Main Beach causing DES to put up warning signs and also the beach to close.

In December 2021 a trap was set in Pink Lily, about 10km upstream of the barrage, after a 2.5m crocodile was spotted.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the area of the Fitzroy River above the barrage and 20km upstream is within Zone C (Targeted Management Zone).

Croc traps were set in the Fitzroy River over the weekend as a training exercise for DES officers.

People can be fined more than $15,000 for interfering with a crocodile trap.

Any crocodile that is two metres or greater in length, or any crocodile displaying dangerous behaviour, is targeted for removal in that zone.

Members of the public are urged to practice “Crocwise” behaviour, in particular:

• Expect crocodiles in ALL far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign;
• Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe;
• Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night;
• Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating;
• The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks;
• Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure;
• Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water;
• Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, camp site or boat ramp;
• Never provoke, harass or feed crocs;
• Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead;
• Report all croc sightings to DES by calling 1300 130 372.