Croc with ‘no fear’ captured, removed from Coorooman Creek

A crocodile that has been filmed rapidly approaching boats and has shown no fear of wildlife officers has been captured and removed from a popular fishing area. SEE THE VIDEO

A 2.5m juvenile crocodile that has shown no fear of wildlife officers on the Capricorn Coast has been captured and removed from Coorooman Creek.

Described by authorities as “highly habituated”, the crocodile was approaching boats for food and had been regularly seen around the Coorooman Creek boat ramp at Zilzie since about December last year.

On Thursday, the Department of Environment and Science said after wildlife officers set and baited a floating trap for the crocodile on May 1, the animal was successfully captured and removed within a week.

Wildlife officer Alexander Peters said the Coorooman Creek crocodile was declared a dangerous animal after lingering around boat ramps in the area for several months and closely approaching boats.

“On April 28 (this year), we investigated the crocodile’s behaviour after a sighting report was made to the department,” Mr Peters said.

“The crocodile exhibited concerning behaviour by deliberately approaching our vessel during a spotlight search and showing no fear, which is an indication that it had been fed on previous occasions and had become habituated.

“Based on the crocodile’s habituated behaviour, it was declared a dangerous crocodile and targeted for removal from the wild.”

Mr Peters said it was “extremely disappointing” the croc had to be removed from the wild due to the actions of people.

“And I’d like to remind people there are significant penalties for deliberately feeding or interacting with crocodiles.”

A 2.5m juvenile crocodile captured in Coorooman Creek in May.

Mr Peters said the crocodile was being temporarily housed in the department’s holding pond while awaiting placement at a farm or zoo.

He urged people to report all crocodile sightings in the greater Rockhampton area, as they helped give wildlife officers a location and information about an animal’s behaviour.

“We investigate every sighting report, and during our investigations in Coorooman Creek, we have observed other crocodiles in the area.

“Removing this 2.5 metre animal does not remove the risks, and people should expect crocodiles in all local waterways, even if there are no signs there.

“People need to be aware that they are responsible for their own safety in croc country and should be crocwise by making sensible choices around waterways and avoid complacency.”

Crocodile sightings can be reported through the QWildlife app, via the Department’s website or by calling 1300 130 372.

Originally published as Croc with ‘no fear’ captured, removed from Coorooman Creek