Large crocodile targeted for removal from Fitzroy River yet to be caught

A large ‘problem’ crocodile targeted for removal from the Fitzroy River is yet to be caught, with a potential sighting of the large reptile reported in recent days.

A large crocodile targeted for removal by wildlife rangers is still yet to be caught, with a potential sighting of the animal reported in recent days.

The crocodile, which is estimated to be about four metres in length, was targeted for removal by the Department of Environment and Science after being spotted in the Pink Lily area.

A floating trap was set by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services in the Fitzroy River about 10km upstream from the barrage at the beginning of the month.

In the space of two days there were four crocodile sightings in the Fitzroy River in the Pink Lily area.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment and Science said one of the sightings may have been the animal wildlife officers are trying to trap.

“Three other sightings referred to a medium sized animal,” the spokesman said.

“During winter, crocodiles tend to bask more, so they can be more visible.”

The ‘problem’ crocodile is believed to be the animal which forced the cancellation of the 2023 Rockhampton Spring Regatta, with sightings warning rowers away from the water.

The area around Pink Lily is regularly used for recreational water skiing, rowing and paddling and is mapped under Zone C on the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.

In Zone C, any crocodiles confirmed to be present that are two metres or larger are targeted for removal.

The issue of crocodile sightings in the area near the Rockhampton Water Ski Club was addressed in state parliament in May, where Mirani MP Stephen Andrew asked Environment and Science Minister Leeanne Linard asked about the removal of crocodiles from Zone C.

A problem crocodile has been targeted for removal from the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

“With reference to the department’s protocols under Queensland’s Crocodile Management Plan (CMP) and DES website advice that any 2+ metre crocodiles residing in areas frequented by large numbers of people will be targeted for removal, and reports of Rockhampton Water Ski Club users being stalked by an aggressive, 4 metre crocodile for the last month in an area 5km upstream from the public boat ramps which fall within Zone C, a ‘targeted management zone’,” he said.

“Will the Minister advise why the protocols are not being followed for this area of the Fitzroy River?”

Ms Linard said between March 30 and May 29 DES wildlife officers conducted a number of ‘surveys’ along the Fitzroy River after a number of crocodile sightings, which included day and night patrols.

“Following a further report on May 27 wildlife officers undertook nocturnal surveys on May 27 and May 29 2023,” she said.

“On May 29 2023 a total of five crocodiles were observed, two of which were two metres or less in length; two which were detected only by eye-shine such that the size of the animals could not be confirmed; and a single animal which was estimated to be approximately 2.8 metres in length.

“On the basis that officers confirmed the presence of a 2.8 metre crocodile in that area and that it is classified Zone C, the animal has been declared for targeted removal and a trap has been deployed.”

Ms Linard said sections of the Fitzroy River fell under Zone C, or a targeted management zone, as it was frequented by large numbers of people and crocodiles.

A problem crocodile has been targeted for removal from the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton.

“The management objective for Zone C is to reduce the likelihood of a crocodile attack hence, all crocodiles two metres or greater in length and also displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal,” she said.

“While the removal of large crocodiles or crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour in Zone C will reduce the immediate risk of a negative interaction with a crocodile, such action will not eliminate the overall risk that crocodiles pose to humans in the area.”

Originally published as Large crocodile targeted for removal from Fitzroy River yet to be caught