Investigation launched after men photographed interfering with crocodile trap at Port Douglas

FOUR men have been photographed playing around inside a crocodile trap at Port Douglas just days after an elderly woman was taken by a croc in the area.

Group of men playing around with a floating crocodile trap off Port Douglas. Source: Facebook

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after four men were photographed playing around inside a crocodile trap at Port Douglas, just days after an elderly woman was taken by a croc in the area.

Queensland’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection were notified of the incident after a series of photos posted to Facebook captured the men climbing on and sitting inside the baited crocodile trap at the Port Douglas marina.

The 4.3m saltwater crocodile that killed 79-year-old Anne Cameron was euthanased by rangers, although they did not know if any other large crocs were in the area.

Group of men have been called ‘stupid and reckless’. Source: Facebook

An EHP spokeswoman called the men “stupid and reckless” for interfering with the crocodile trap.

“These traps are specifically designed to attract crocodiles and they are deployed in places where a problem crocodile is known to be present,” she said.

“It is extremely dangerous to interfere with a crocodile trap, regardless of whether or not there is a crocodile within.

“It is not an exaggeration to say that interfering with crocodile traps can be potentially life-threatening for the person concerned.

“It also places the general public at risk if the trap is tampered with in such a way that it becomes inoperative, hampering the ability of the Department to deliver its important public safety role.”

The men face penalties of more than $15,000. Source: Facebook

The Palaszczuk Government recently increased penalties to more than $15,000 for people who deliberately interfere with a crocodile trap.

Environment minister Steven Miles said the incident involving the four men tampering with a croc trap “took the cake” for reckless behaviour.

“We’ve got grown men, swimming in a crocodile trap, exactly where we put the bait for the crocodiles,” he said.

“The reason the trap is there, is we suspect there are crocodiles in the area.

“So to be swimming here at all, is dangerous.

“To be swimming around the trap is dangerous.

“And if the crocodile were to appear, that would be even more dangerous.

“This is not far from where a woman was taken just a week ago.”

What penalty should these men face? Continue the discussion in the comments below or with Matthew Dunn on Facebook or Twitter.