Turtle graveyard unearthed on Ross River banks, metres from footpath in Cranbrook

A cluster of turtle skeletons and mummified remains found on the banks of the Ross River has alarmed several locals. We ask the experts what might be going on. See the pictures.

The Krefft's turtles are found in “almost every river” from Townsville to the Sunshine Coast, according to Dr Hamann.

A cluster of turtle skeletons and mummified remains found on the banks of the Ross River has alarmed several locals.

The Townsville Bulletin was sent pictures of the dead turtles by a resident, mystified as to why so many bodies would be clustered in one place.

James Cook University turtle researcher Mark Hamann helped the newspaper understand what we were seeing in the pictures.

“These are freshwater turtles, known as the common short necked turtle or Krefft’s turtle,” Dr Hamann said.

“I’ve got no real idea why there would be a group of dead turtles. These animals are individuals, they don’t come ashore at mass and we can see in the pictures some are young and some are older. I don’t think this is a natural dying place.”

Pictures taken of several dead turtles found on the banks of Ross River, near Nathan St bridge, Cranbrook. June 9, 2025

Dr Hamann said he estimated the turtles all died around the same time due to their decay, and guessed these deaths occurred four months ago.

“If they died in the summer their shells would be much worse than that. The shells break down within six months leaving behind just bones,” he said.

“The mystery is why they are all in one spot.”

Dr Hamann’s leading theory was that these turtles had been injured during the February-March Ross River floods.

Pictures taken of several dead turtles found on the banks of Ross River, near Nathan St bridge, Cranbrook.

“After the floods maybe someone found them dead or dying on the footpaths and decided to throw them all in one spot,” he said.

“They could’ve also been injured when they were washed over the weir and ended up there. It’s reasonable to think we lost a lot of turtles in the floods.”

A Krefft’s River Turtle emerges from a garden after laying her eggs there.

A Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) spokesperson said they investigate all reports of deceased wild turtles, as they are a protected species under Queensland law.

“As it is not possible to determine the cause of death for these animals, we cannot tell whether any offence has been committed, or that they died of natural causes,” they said.

“Anyone with information about possible unlawful killing of native animals should contact the Department on 1300 130 372.”

Krefft’s turtle in Ross River near Riverway

Townsville City Council staff were also mystified by the bodies.

“It is not common for Council to find dead turtles placed together, Council believes the incident to be an isolated event and will remove the animals and continue to monitor the area for any similar occurrence,” a council spokesperson said.

Krefft’s turtle in Ross River near Riverway

The location where the bodies were found is on the first major bend in the river after Gleeson’s Weir.

In 2017 an investigation was launched after 17 dead turtles were found below Weir State High School footbridge in the Ross River - all were tangled in a net.

"Ross the Croc" was snapped with a turtle on his back along the Ross River near Douglas Parkin in 2022. Picture: Kane Wiblen

The local turtle species also had a brief moment of PR buzz when one of their own was pictured sunbathing on top of resident saltwater crocodile “Ross the Croc” in 2022.

According to crocodile expert Graham Webb, it was strange to see turtles so comfortable around crocodiles because they are a “favourite food” for salties.

Originally published as Turtle graveyard unearthed on Ross River banks, metres from footpath in Cranbrook