Croc captured 20 metres from Cardwell family home

A two and a half metre crocodile has been removed by wildlife officers after it was spotted mere metres from a family home located to the south of Cairns. WATCH THE VIDEO

A two-and-a-half metre crocodile has been removed by wildlife officers after it was found mere metres from a family home to the south of Cairns.

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation wildlife officers removed a two and a half metre crocodile from a private property in Cardwell, two hours south of Cairns after it was spotted in a lagoon near the property, roughly 20 metres from the family home.

Wildlife officer Ella Meeve said the family were “understandably concerned for the safety of their family which included small children, pets and livestock.”

“Even though Cardwell is known croc country, to find the animal at a fence only 20 metres from their house was concerning,” Ms Meeve said.

The animal was first spotted by the residents on January 12 but ongoing flooding from Cyclone Jasper and weather impacts from Cyclone Kirrily prevented officers from setting traps until a few days ago.

Wildlife officer captured a two-and-a-half metre croc outside a family home in Cardwell. Picture: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

“Although Cyclone Kirrily delayed our plans to remove the crocodile, we were able to install a trap once the wild weather passed and water levels stabilised,” Ms Meeve said.

“Fortunately, it only took a few days for the crocodile to enter the trap, and we’ve been able to safely capture and remove it from the property.”

DESI officers said they believed the animal had moved into the lagoon during severe flooding caused by Cyclone Jasper in and around the area.

The animal was transported to the Townsville holding facility were it will stay until DESI officers can locate it a suitable home at a licensed farm or zoo.

Ms Meeve thanked the family for swiftly reporting their crocodile sighting.

“This is a good reminder that crocodiles can turn up in unexpected places across croc country, especially during the wet season, so it’s important to always report croc sightings to DESI as soon as you can.”

The department warned Far North Queensland residents to remain “Crocwise” and treat every waterway as a crocodile habitat, even if there is no warning sign.

Residents were advised to obey all warning signs, be cautious in the ocean and at night, stay away from croc traps, avoid using small vessels in known croc spots, stay back from the water’s edge while fishing or camping, secure all food and bait away from the water, supervise pets and children and never provoke or harass a crocodile.

Originally published as Croc captured 20 metres from Cardwell family home