Dungeness boat ramp: Problem saltwater crocodile removed from wild
A ‘problem’ saltwater croc measuring nearly four metres has been removed from waters near a busy North Queensland boat ramp — sparking mixed emotions from locals. Check out the pictures.
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A large problem crocodile measuring almost four metres in length has been removed from a near a popular North Queensland boat ramp.
Queensland Wildlife Rangers successfully removed the 3.8m saltie from the wild at the Dungeness Boat Ramp in Lucinda, Hinchinbrook on Saturday.
The Lucinda Cove Resort, located next to the Dungeness boat ramp, said it was sad that the animal had to be removed from the wild after it was captured in a baited trap set by Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) on Friday.
“We’ll miss you Mr Croc,” the resort posted on social media with a video showing the caged animal being towed from the Enterprise Channel.
The resort had previously shared videos of the crocodile, also referred to as an estuarine crocodile, resting on the banks of the channel in front of its Slipway Bar and Restaurant.
In another video, the ambush predator can be seen swimming nonchalantly near the floating jetty, which is popular with boaties from throughout North Queensland.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, known as DETSI, has previously stated that the behaviour near the boat ramp indicated that the animal was being fed and was not fearful of humans.
A DETSI spokesman said on Monday that the crocodile was targeted for removal “after displaying concerning behaviour around the boat ramp and interfering with crab pots”.
“It is believed the crocodile was attracted to the boat ramp by discarded fish frames and bait.”
The Lucinda Fishing Lodge, on the other side of the boat ramp, also posted pictures of the captured animal in its cage on Saturday.
The Lodge has also posted images of the crocodile and a female mate resting in mangroves on the opposite side of the Enterprise Channel.
Busy DESI wildlife officers have been forced to remove a number of problem crocodiles in North Queensland recently, including two four-metre animals responsible for unsuccessful attacks on two men.
The DETSI spokesman said the most recent removal was a reminder for people living in crocodile habitat “to make sensible choices around the water and to prioritise their safety”.
“People living in crocodile habitat should never discard fish frames or unused bait at boat ramps or fishing spots as crocodiles can begin to associate those locations with food.”
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Originally published as Dungeness boat ramp: Problem saltwater crocodile removed from wild
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