New croc nothing compared to Rocky caught 10-years ago

WHILE wildlife officers prepare to remove a two metre crocodile from Moores Creek, he doesn’t quite measure up to one caught near Laurel Banks a decade ago.

ROCKY ROAD: This 3.1 metre male crocodile (above and below right) was caught in the Fitzroy River and relocated to Cairns in 2005.

WHILE wildlife officers prepare to remove a two metre Rockhampton crocodile from Moores Creek, he doesn't quite measure up to the salty caught near Laurel Banks a decade ago.

Rocky, a 3.1 metre crocodile, was harpooned and captured by wildlife rangers in December 2005.

The crocodile, which was relocated to the Cairns Crocodile Farm, was tricky to catch as he evaded traps set by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

Wildlife officers will use a hook to attempt to capture this new crocodile which moves between Moores Creek and the Barrage.

Crocodiles are not removed unless they are considered a "crocodile of concern", which means the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) has determined the croc near Moores Creek poses an unacceptable risk just as Rocky did.

Rocky the croc was eventually caught 8.5km upstream from the Rockhampton Water Ski and Powerboat Club at Laurel Banks.

Because the reptile was so big, 90 to 100kg to be exact, he had to be transported back tied to the side of the boat.

QPWS senior ranger (wildlife) Tim Farry said people should not swim in crocodile inhabited areas, and maintain crocodile awareness.

"Crocodiles can be found in the lower sections of the Mackenzie and Dawson Rivers, and in the whole Fitzroy River," he said.

"It is quite reasonable for an animal to swim 20 to 80km per day."

The Cairns Crocodile Farm owner at the time, Keith Cook, fittingly named the crocodile Rocky.

Originally published as New croc nothing compared to Rocky caught 10-years ago