Up to 14 crocs have been shot on the Norman River in The Gulf
The alleged shooting of up to a dozen crocs in the Gulf country has infuriated both locals and environmentalists who have called for an investigation to be made a top priority.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The alleged shooting of up to a dozen crocs in the Gulf country has infuriated both locals and environmentalists, who have called for an investigation to be made a top priority.
On Thursday reports surfaced from Normanton, 500km west of Cairns.
Locals claim 14 saltwater crocodiles were shot on the Norman River between Wills Creek and Four Mile Creek.
Normanton police are aware of social media reports but couldn’t confirm that any member of the public had filed an official police report.
“They are a protected species so without a permit it constitutes an offence, if there have been reports of them being shot in suspicious circumstances it would be forwarded on for further investigation,” an officer at the station said.
The maximum penalty for the deliberate harm or killing of crocodiles in Queensland is $32,243.
Daintree River crocodile guide David White was deeply saddened by the alleged croc killings.
“Someone has (allegedly) just gone on a shooting spree, it is horrible,” he said.
“It’s terrible, these are big animals, a 4m croc could be 60-years-old, what’s the point? There is always going to be another one.
“People think it’s safer but there will always be another one sneaking in there.
“It does not make any sense, it’s just a mindless thing to do.”
Mr White called for the Department of Environment to make any investigation a top priority.
Normanton local and engineer, Dylan Leschke, said he had reported the deaths and alleged illegal fishing to traditional owners and wildlife rangers.
He said he was not an conservationist but just liked to see the county looked after.
“It’s disgusting and the locals are angry,” he said.
“One has had it head cut off and they have left the netting wrapped around the croc, they have shot it and not even utilised the croc.
“It’s a shame, we have had a good wet season and then they rape and pillage the river.
“I think it’s people just wanting a trophy.”
Visiting Normanton in 2015 Mr Leschke fell in love with the wild flood county of the Gulf and after a stint down south since he then relocated back to Normanton for good in 2021.
He told the Cairns Post about 15 crocs have been shot dead since March on a 15km stretch of river around Normanton.
“I check my pots and fish at night chasing the moon and tides and this is when it happens,” he said.
“It’s about time something get published to make sure something happens.
“They think they can get away with it and there is no access it’s all private property unless you are on the river.”
Levi Snow was also furious about the deaths.
“Some scum still going around popping these old fellas, just leave them alone, honest they just trying to live their life,” he said.
The latest incident follows the beheading of a large croc at Cow Bay in the Daintree in April this year and the death of a female crocodile, known to locals as “Lizzie”, who was found slaughtered in May on the Daintree River.
Wildlife officers will travel to Normanton to work with local land and sea rangers to investigate the deaths, according to the Department of Environment.
“DES has received multiple reports about deceased crocodiles in the area,” a spokesman said.
Anyone with information about any deceased crocodiles, or with information about people in possession of crocodile skulls or other body parts, should call 1300 130 372 or contact the
Queensland Police Service.
Information can be provided anonymously.
More Coverage
Originally published as Up to 14 crocs have been shot on the Norman River in The Gulf
Join the conversation
How program is creating sport pathway for young girls
The Far North’s arm wrestle against capital cities to breed and maintain sporting talent has received a boost with a new program helping establish grassroots pathways.
Read more
LNP member demands former chairman’s party donation be returned
An LNP whistleblower has called out his own party’s decision to accept a “non-political” donation from a key Far North powerbroker now facing serious charges, including allegedly assaulting a woman.
Read more