Remote camera captures man interfering with croc trap

A ‘reckless’ man risked his life and a potential fine of almost $19,000 interfering with a trap set to capture an ‘aggressive’ crocodile, wildlife officers say.

A man risked his life by interfering with a trap set to capture an “aggressive” four-metre crocodile, and wildlife officers are seeking help to identify him.

A remote camera mounted inside the trap at Cattle Creek at Ingham on Thursday showed the man’s legs as he stood barefoot on the trap.

Department of Environment wildlife officers said a man standing on a croc trap was acting recklessly and could face a fine of almost $19,000. Picture: Supplied

Senior wildlife officer Tony Frisby said the man could be fined almost $19,000 for interfering with the trap.

“Interfering with a crocodile trap is potentially life-threatening behaviour and we cannot understand why the man has taken this risk,” Mr Frisby said.

Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment place traps to capture ‘problem’ crocs. Picture: Cameron Bates

“The baited, floating trap was set to capture a four-metre crocodile that lunged twice at a person fishing from the bank on April 18.

“Baited traps are designed to attract declared ‘problem crocodiles’ that pose an unacceptable risk to the public.

“We have confirmed the presence of a large, aggressive crocodile in the creek, and are seeking to remove the animal to help keep people safe.

A saltwater crocodile wildlife officers are trying to trap is more than four-metres long. Picture: Cameron Bates

“Not only has the man risked his own life, he could have risked the lives of others – as interfering with a trap can render it inoperable so the target crocodile cannot not be caught.”

Mr Frisby described the man’s actions as “reckless” and urged anyone with information about the his identity to contact the environment department on 1300 130 372.

There have been 40 reported crocodile sightings in the Hinchinbrook local government area this year.

Originally published as Remote camera captures man interfering with croc trap