Multiple crocodile traps set at Marlow Lagoon dog park have been tampered with, little croc yet to be captured after weeks

Efforts to capture a small crocodile spotted at a Palmerston dog park more than three weeks ago have become even harder, with Top End crocodile catchers alleging the traps may have been tampered with. Read the details.

Efforts to capture a small crocodile spotted at a Palmerston dog park more than three weeks ago have become even harder, with Top End crocodile catchers alleging the traps were potentially tampered with.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Parks and Wildlife Northern Territory alleged the crocodile traps installed at the Marlow Lagoon dog park “appeared” to have been tampered with, following days of reports suggesting the traps had been set off.

An alleged one metre crocodile was reported at the Marlow Lagoon dog park on January 17. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

It is an offence to interfere – meaning to touch, stand on, enter, move or otherwise disturb – with a crocodile trap owned by the Territory government, with maximum penalties reaching $9,250 or six months imprisonment.

“Please remember that the crocodile traps are there for everyone’s safety and to manage the risk posed to users of the area,” Parks and Wildlife NT said.

A Facebook user in the comments suggested cameras should be set up to catch the alleged perpetrator.

An alleged one metre crocodile was reported at the Marlow Lagoon dog park on January 17. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Chuck up a camera and fine the people tampering with them,” she said.

“How many times do people need to be told … no doubt probably the same people that will cry ‘Nothing’s been done’ when their dog gets taken.

Another commenter joked Parks and Wildlife NT should “run the court system.”

An alleged one metre crocodile was reported at the Marlow Lagoon dog park on January 17. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Geez, that’s better punishment than stealing a car or breaking into someone’s home … maybe Parks and Wildlife should run the court system,” he said.

If you see anyone interfering with the traps, the crocodile management team can be contacted on 0419822859.

Parks and Wildlife NT have been contacted for further comment.