Three and a half metre saltwater croc finally caught after terrorising town of Bulla

A monster-sized ‘problem croc’ reportedly ate several community dogs before a crack operation finally made minced meat out of him.

A three-and-a-half metre “problem crocodile” that harassed a small town and claimed several dogs for food has made a final journey from water to plate.

Police and rangers on Tuesday afternoon put an end to the saltie’s reign of terror when it surfaced near the remote community of Bulla earlier this year.

According to NT Police, the croc moved into Baines River after being displaced by flooding and had “been stalking and lunging out of the water at children and adults”.

“The crocodile had also reportedly taken multiple community dogs,” police said.

A three and a half metre saltwater crocodile was fished out of Baines River near the remote NT town of Bulla. Picture: NT Police

Picture: NT Police

Authorities managed to trap the beast in a crack operation, and after talks with traditional owners, euthanised it to prevent harm coming to residents.

It was then transported to Bulla where the community prepared it for a feast using traditional methods.

NT Police Commander Kylie Anderson said the experience showed “there’s never a dull moment in remote policing” and praised the collaboration between agencies.

Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security director of wildlife operations Kristen Hay said the incident was a timely reminder that “any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles”.

“That’s why we urge everyone to be crocwise and only swim where there are designated swimming signs,” she said.