First ‘Croc of concern’ to be moved in 10 years in region
A LARGE crocodile living in the Rockhampton city reaches of the Fitzroy River has been targeted for removal after a number of recent sightings near Moores Creek
Rockhampton
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A LARGE crocodile living in the Rockhampton city reaches of the Fitzroy River has been targeted for removal after a number of recent sightings near Moores Creek.
Crocodiles are not removed unless they are considered a "crocodile of concern", which means the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has determined it poses an unacceptable risk.
The department has not had to remove one in Rockhampton since 2006.
The crocodile in question is just over two metres in length and was spotted in Moores Creek, but the EHP said it moves between there and the barrage.
The department received a confirmed sighting of a crocodile in the Fitzroy River on February 23, but other unconfirmed reports in Moores Creek on February 9 and 15 and one at Gavial Creek on February 3.
There were also several reported sightings in the Fitzroy River last November, with a small estuarine crocodile also spotted at Yeppoon Main Beach on November 14.
When it comes to sightings, the department takes action based on the safety risk posed by the crocodile.
Captured crocs are then offered to registered farms or zoos.
According to the EHP, trapping is not feasible in this case, so wildlife officers are attempting to capture the animal using a specially designed crocodile hook.
They are warning fishermen who use the area around the mouth of Moores Creek to be careful. Crocodile sightings should be reported to EHP on 1300 130 372 for investigation.
Confirmed crocodile sightings from 2010-2016:
February 23, 2016: Sighting in the Fitzroy River. It was targeted for removal.
November 21, 2015: Sighting in Gavial Creek.
August 16, 2015: Sighting on private property at Alton Downs.
26 September 2014: Sighting in the Nerimbera section of the Fitzroy River.
September 22, 2013: Sighting off Cooee Bay.
September 21, 2013: Sighting off Farnborough Beach.
August 15, 2013: Sighting in 9 Mile Lagoon.
December 22, 2012: Sighting in Gavial Creek.
April 7, 2011: Sighting at Five Rocks Beach.
October 28, 2010: Sighting at Lammermoor Beach.
July 21, 2010: Sighting in the Fitzroy River.
January 2, 2010: Sighting in the Fitzroy River.
Source: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Originally published as First ‘Croc of concern’ to be moved in 10 years in region
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