Warrina Lakes Innisfail crocodile captured after night search for 2m animal

A crocodile which had managed to evade wildlife officers for almost a week was finally caught with the special technique to capture the animal revealed. READ HOW THEY CAUGHT THE CROC

UPDATE FRIDAY, JUNE 3: WILDLIFE officers have captured a crocodile at Warrina Lakes Innisfail after the animal had managed to evade being caught for almost a week.

Warrina Lakes was shut down on May 27, following reports of an estimated 1m crocodile in the park’s lake.

However on June 2, Department of Environment and Science confirmed the reptile to be about 2m, after capturing it during a night search.

Senior wildlife officer Dinouk Perera said the male crocodile was captured using a harpoon, which hooks into the animal’s skin but doesn’t cause any harm.

“This method of direct capture takes a lot of skill to get close enough to the crocodile by boat and throw the harpoon accurately before the animal submerges,” he said.

“At around 2m long, the crocodile was larger than the initial estimates of less than a metre, and as it turns out, the animal has an unusually small head for its length.

“Our experienced wildlife team conducted an initial site assessment on May 30 but didn’t see the animal, and that’s why they went back again last night (June 2).

“Crocodiles can be more active at night, and it was a fantastic effort to remove the animal by harpoon without us needing to set a trap.”

Residents warned to be alert for crocodiles in floodwaters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1: FOLLOWING the installation of crocodile warning signs at a popular Cassowary Coast park, wildlife officers have revealed the outcome of their investigation into the animal.

Warring Lakes at Innisfail was shut down on Friday, May 27 following reports of a 1m crocodile in the lake.

The unusual sighting had Cassowary Coast councillors questioning how the reptile would’ve made its way to the botanic gardens, however a Department of Environment and Science spokesman said by May 31, officers had not yet confirmed the presence of a crocodile.

Crowds at Warrina Lakes for the Tilapia fishing competition. DES is investigating the presence of a 1m crocodile at the lakes, but by May 31, had no confirmation.

“Wildlife officers will conduct a detailed night-time site assessment of the lakes system later this week to gain a clear picture of any crocodiles in the area,” the spokesman said.

“Based on the information provided by council, DES believes the reported crocodile is very small and would likely flee if approached by people or their pets. An animal of this size poses minimal risk to the public or their pets.

“Estuarine crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.”

The CCRC has been contacted for an update on the status of the park’s closure.

Crocodile spotted at Hills Creek near Cairns Esplanade

SATURDAY, MAY 28: A POPULAR Far Northern park and botanic garden has been closed on a picture-perfect weekend following the sighting of a crocodile, with reports of staffing issues hampering removal.

Warrina Lakes at Innisfail was temporarily closed from Friday afternoon by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council which made the announcement at 4.30pm, following a reported sighting of an estimated 1m croc.

“Council is working with the Department of Environment and Science to locate and safely remove the crocodile. As a result of the sighting, Warrina Lakes will be closed this weekend. Council apologies for any inconvenience this may cause,” the statement read.

A crocodile has been spotted at Warrina Lakes Innisfail. Picture: CCRC

The recreation area which features parklands, gardens, trails as well as a lake, has drainage that connects the wetland to nearby Johnstone River, however gates installed along the drains generally prevent the apex predators from entering Warrina Lakes.

Councillors Jeff Baines and Nick Pervan said it was extremely unusual for a crocodile to be found at Warrina Lakes, but said the recent heavy rain and flooding could potentially be a plausible explanation.

Crowds at Warrina Lakes for the Tilapia fishing competition. The lakes are a popular day use area for locals, but was closed following a crocodile sighting.

“They can’t swim in from the Johnstone, but they do have legs, I reckon he’s just walked himself in,” Cr Baines said.

“In my memory, this is the first time we’ve had one there.

“So we’ve got the signs up now, but it’s going to be closed for everyone’s safety until DES can locate it.

“But they are dealing with the same issues as everyone, with the flu and being under resourced.”

A DES spokesman said the department’s QWildlife app showed: “The person heard a splash sound and then she saw a crocodile swimming into the middle of the lake, at Warrina Lakes Park. The person advised the Customer Service Team of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council (on Friday about 12pm). The crocodile sighting report is under investigation.”

The news comes as DES earlier in the week decided no further action would be taken in relation to a 2m crocodile estimated to be living in Lake Eacham for over 15 years.

Originally published as Warrina Lakes Innisfail crocodile captured after night search for 2m animal