Cattle Creek saltwater crocodile captured between Townsville, Ingham

A problem saltwater crocodile responsible for trying to eat a fisherman has been captured in what has been a busy month for hard-working North Queensland wildlife officers.

A problem saltwater crocodile responsible for trying to eat a fisherman has been captured in what has been a busy month for hard-working wildlife officers in North Queensland.

The capture of the 3.6-metre crocodile at Cattle Creek on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham overnight Friday follows the successful operation to remove a 2.4-metre saltie from the Tyto Wetlands near Ingham’s public library.

The removal of the Cattle Creek croc known by locals and ‘Blackie’ because of the colour of his thick tail was triggered after the crocodile attacked Yaruga fisherman Stephen Wood on April 18.

Mr Wood, an experienced fisherman who grew up in Hinchinbrook, was lucky to escape with his life.

Just a day later, a larger 4-metre saltwater crocodile, also known as estuarine crocodiles, lunged at Dean Grieve aboard his boat at the Port Hinchinbrook Marina in Cardwell north of Ingham.

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) wildlife officers captured a 3.6-metre saltwater crocodile at Cattle Creek on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham overnight Friday in what has been an action-packed month for hard-working wildlife officers in North Queensland. Picture: Cameron Bates

Like Mr Wood, Mr Grieve said he was lucky to be alive, although the same crocodile, which was captured on May 13, is believed to have eaten his beloved pet dog.

Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation said Blackie had been “relatively elusive” to capture.

Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation with a 3.6-metre saltwater crocodile at Cattle Creek on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham overnight Friday. Picture: Cameron Bates

“We sort of waited for the full moon when they are more active and they hunt more on the land so he’s gone in on the full moon, as expected,” he said.

“It’s a good result for public safety but it’s also unfortunate for the crocodile who has been pulled out of his home but that’s part of our management plan and our commitment to public safety.”

Mr Frisby said the healthy male crocodile was headed to either a farm or a zoo and would “probably be used as breeding stock”.

Blackie in his cage on Saturday morning. Picture: Cameron Bates

DESI said the crocodile that took up residence at Tyto was captured during a “spotlighting survey”.

“Under the new draft Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, it is proposed that the zoning of artificial ponds at the front of the Tyto Wetlands be changed so any crocodile of two metres or greater in length would be targeted for removal.”

The change follows sustained pressure from Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto and Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo.

Queenslanders are encouraged to have their say on the new draft Queensland Crocodile Management Plan by completing this SURVEY.

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) wildlife officers captured a 3.6-metre saltwater crocodile at Cattle Creek on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham overnight Friday in what has been an action-packed month for hard-working wildlife officers in North Queensland. Picture: Cameron Bates

Crocwise tips for people in Croc Country:

• Expect crocodiles in ALL northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign

• Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe

• Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night

• Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating

• The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks

• Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure

• Camp well back from the water

• Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps

• Never provoke, harass or feed crocs

• Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead

Originally published as Cattle Creek saltwater crocodile captured between Townsville, Ingham