Crocodile captured at Caravonica, Cairns, to be relocated to farm or zoo

A 3.9m saltwater crocodile has been removed from the Barron River at Caravonica and authorities have revealed what will now happen to the animal.

A 3.9m saltwater crocodile has been removed from the Barron River at Caravonica and relocated to Melaleuca Crocodile Farm.

The croc was captured by the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation on January 23 after it was identified as being “too large”.

A crocodile captured on January 23 is now being moved from Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation to Department of Environment and Science. Photo: supplied

It was transferred to the Department of Environment and Science on Friday morning.

A spokesman from the DES confirmed the crocodile was found in a zone targeted for removals with the animal stretching to 3.9 metres long.

The spokesman said the DES would keep the crocodile until it could be relocated.

“We work closely with the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation to remove these crocs in the Cairns area when needed,” he said.

“This particular crocodile is too big for us to hold so we’d love to see him go to a zoo or farm that has that capacity.”

Crocodile captured on the January 23rd now being moved from Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation to Department of Environment and Science. Photo: supplied

Crocodile captured on the January 23rd now being moved from Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation to Department of Environment and Science. Photo: supplied

The spokesman also stressed the importance of crocodile safety.

“People need to be aware that living in croc country is different to any areas without crocs,” he said.

“We encourage people to report all croc sightings as soon as possible. People need to stay 5m from the water’s edge, dispose of all food and fish scraps in a bin, and be extra cautious at dusk, dawn and night.”

If you spot a crocodile, call 1300 130 372 to alert Department of Environment and Science.

Originally published as Crocodile captured at Caravonica, Cairns, to be relocated to farm or zoo