Crocodile shot with arrow at Cape Tribulation in the Daintree

The state’s wildlife authority has launched an investigation into the unlawful shooting of a crocodile in the head with an arrow at a Far North Queensland beach. Watch the video.

The state’s wildlife authority has launched an investigation into the unlawful shooting of a crocodile in the head with an arrow at a Far North beach.

The brutal attack at Coconut Beach near Cape Tribulation on a crocodile left the 3m animal with an arrow or spear protruding from its head.

Wildlife rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation received a report about the injured crocodile on February 20, 2025 from the conservation organisation Community Representation of Crocodiles.

Rangers were sent to the remote location in the Daintree rainforest but could not locate the injured crocodile.

A crocodile that was shot with an arrow at Cape Tribulation is being investigated by the Department of Environment. Picture: Picture: Jungle Freediver

DETSI program coordinator Simon Booth said anyone with information about the attack on the crocodile was urged to contact the department on 1300 130 372.

“The crocodile would be in extreme pain and if not captured and assessed, will most likely die a slow and agonising death,” Mr Booth said.

“Unfortunately, if we are successful in locating and capturing the animal, it may have to be euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.

“We are disgusted by this shocking incident, and it is disheartening to know that people can be so cruel.

The shaft of an arrow or spear can clearly be seen embedded in the croc’s head. Picture: Jungle Freediver

“Queenslanders do not tolerate animal cruelty and targeting and deliberately shooting an arrow at a crocodile or any native animal is unacceptable.

“Crocodile sightings need to be reported to the department, and people should not deliberately harm them.”

CROC stated the shooting of the saltie was an effective death sentence as injured crocs are not rehabilitated for release and if caught the croc would most likely be euthanised.

It’s not the first time crocs have been killed in the Daintree area.

At Cow Bay in 2023 residents were appalled to find a large crocodile beheaded on the beach.

Further north in 2023 a Lakeland man was charged after a search of a caravan in remote bushland of Cape York uncovered a cache of illegal items, including crocodile skulls.

Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, it is an offence to deliberately harm or kill an estuarine crocodile, with a maximum penalty of $36,292.

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Originally published as Crocodile shot with arrow at Cape Tribulation in the Daintree