Hunt for Cuddlepie ends with no sightings

TOWNSVILLE: THE hunt for the Haughton River’s 5m crocodile has been put on hold with no sightings reported in the last month.

Croc hunting at Giru Cromarty Creek where Cuddlepie the 5 meter crocodile was sighted. Jan White has been visiting the area for over 12 years has seen a number of big biters

TOWNSVILLE: THE hunt for the Haughton River’s 5m crocodile has been put on hold with no sightings reported in the last month.

The Department of Environment confirmed traps had been pulled from the river at Giru after no sightings were reported of the large saltie, which locals have dubbed Cuddlepie, since September 5.

Caravanners staying at the boat ramp said they hadn’t seen any large crocodiles for weeks and rangers hadn’t been at the ramp to set traps.

A Department of Environment spokesman said the search had been postponed indefinitely.

“No further sightings of the Haughton River crocodile have been reported to EHP (Environment and Heritage Protection),” he said.

“EHP wildlife officers will investigate if further sighting reports are received and a decision will then be made whether to recommence efforts to catch the crocodile.”

Talk of a monster croc has been circulating in Giru for years and some thought it was only an urban legend until rangers spotted it around five weeks ago. They set a trap to capture it but instead caught a smaller croc on September 20 which measured 4.3m.

Jan White (pictured) has been staying at the Giru boat ramp in her caravan for the past few months and has seen plenty of crocodiles.

She said in the last few weeks sightings had dwindled with only the odd, small crocodile sunning itself first thing in the morning.

“I don’t think the trap is there any more, I haven’t seen it for a while,” Ms White said.

“If there is a trap somewhere, the wildlife people haven’t been down here to set the trap or check it.”

Some locals in the township want the crocs left alone and are concerned that by removing one large croc, multiple smaller crocodiles will take its place. But fishermen are uneasy about launching and retrieving their vessels with the croc rumoured to be longer than most of the boats cruising the popular fishing spot.

An EHP spokesman said the Haughton River was known “croc country” and people should be extra cautious near the water.

“Stand back from the water when fishing or cast netting,” he said. “Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water.”