Second crocodile captured and euthanised after remains of fisherman Andy Heard found inside 4.2m reptile

A second crocodile has been captured and euthanised after a Queensland fisherman’s remains were found inside a four-metre reptile.

A second crocodile has been captured and euthanised after the death of Queensland fisherman Andy Heard.

Wildlife officers located the 2.7m to 3m reptile on Sunday night, 48 hours after another 4.2m animal was found to have human remains inside it.

The Department of Environment and Science confirmed the second crocodile was now with Queensland police, with a necropsy to be conducted in the coming days.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time,” Monday’s statement read.

We have captured and humanely euthanised a roughly 3m crocodile overnight as part of our joint Hinchinbrook Island missing person investigation. The animal is now with @QldPolice & a necropsy will be conducted. As always, our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/gMFs5HEqoM

— Queensland Environment (@QldEnvironment) February 15, 2021

RELATED: ‘You’ve beggared up the natural wonderland’: Katter

Authorities were alerted to Mr Heard’s disappearance after the 69-year-old failed to return from an hour-long fishing excursion in Gayndah Creek, near Hinchinbrook Island, on Thursday afternoon.

Searching continues on the water for a man missing at Hinchinbrook Island. pic.twitter.com/FJLxe5peK1

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) February 12, 2021

RELATED: ‘It’s a real shock’: Friends raise a glass to ‘old saltie dog’ taken by croc

His wife contacted police after she was unable to contact him via radio.

The Cairns local’s two-metre boat was found upside down and damaged on Friday morning.

Human remains were later found in a search area near the popular island.

That discovery prompted a search for a crocodile, involving State Emergency Service volunteers, Coast Guard personnel, DES officials and police.

The 4.2m beast was captured and euthanised, with an examination finding more remains inside.

Police are continuing to investigate, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.