Crocodile targeted for removal from Rockhampton Fitzroy River

A large crocodile has been targeted for removal from the Fitzroy River after multiple reports of a croc in a “high traffic” area of the river.

A problem crocodile has been targeted for removal from the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

Wildlife rangers have targeted a large crocodile for removal in a “high traffic” area of the Fitzroy River.

Officers from the Department of Environment and Science have set a floating trap in the Glenmore section of the river between Limestone Creek and Picnic Point.

The department received multiple sighting reports via the QWildlfie CrocWatch app of a crocodile being spotted in the area.

Wildlife officers were patrolling the area on Friday, November 17, where they observed a 2.5 metre crocodile in the area.

The reptile was targeted for removal because of its size and proximity to a high traffic area of the river, with a floating trap set to try and capture the animal.

Under the current Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, the Glenmore section of the Fitzroy River is considered ‘Zone C – Targeted Management Zone’, which means that crocodiles over 2m in size are automatically targeted for removal.

Once removed, the crocodile will work to place it in a licensed crocodile farm or zoo.

DES has reminded the public that the Fitzroy River is known Croc Country, urging people using the river for water activities to be Crocwise to stay safe.

The 2.5 metre salty is the second croc to be targeted for removal from the Fitzroy River this year.

In late May, wildlife officers set a floating trap to capture a 4.5 metre crocodile in the Pink Lily area, upstream from the barrage.

It was believed to be the same crocodile that forced the cancellation of a rowing regatta earlier that month.

The reptile was finally captured in July.