NewsBite

Ross River: 3m saltwater crocodile caught near Aplins Weir

A saltwater crocodile measuring almost 3 metres long has been trapped near Aplins Weir on the Ross River.

Large saltwater crocodile caught in Townsville

A saltwater crocodile measuring almost 3 metres long has been trapped near Aplins Weir on the Ross River.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation also revealed that as they were removing the 2.8 metre saltie, also known as an estuarine crocodile, on Thursday, wildlife rangers noticed a second sizable animal nearby.

Principal Wildlife Ranger Dinouk Perera said they had “re-installed the trap to target the second crocodile for removal”.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said on Friday that it had captured a saltwater crocodile measuring almost 3 metres long near Aplins Weir on the Ross River. A second saltie, also known as an estuarine crocodile, sighted in the same area has been targeted for removal. Picture: Supplied
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said on Friday that it had captured a saltwater crocodile measuring almost 3 metres long near Aplins Weir on the Ross River. A second saltie, also known as an estuarine crocodile, sighted in the same area has been targeted for removal. Picture: Supplied

He thanked members of the community who had reported sightings of the first animal.

“Crocodile sighting reports give us important information about a crocodile’s location and behaviour that allows us to assess whether it needs to be removed from the wild,” he said.

“The captured crocodile is currently in a holding pond at our facility and will be rehomed to a farm or zoo.”

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received. Picture: Supplied
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received. Picture: Supplied

Mr Perera reminded Townsville residents that North Queensland was crocodile habitat, saying the needed to “make sensible choices when they are around the water”.

He said crocodiles could be present in any waterway.

“They can swim long distances and may turn up in places they haven’t been seen before, particularly after flooding,” he said.

“That’s why it is important to report all crocodile sightings to the department as soon as possible, for investigation by wildlife rangers.”

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. Picture: Supplied
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. Picture: Supplied

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372.

The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

Originally published as Ross River: 3m saltwater crocodile caught near Aplins Weir

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/townsville/ross-river-3m-saltwater-crocodile-caught-near-aplins-weir/news-story/8cdd46f853fdb19c4a0e1bb3d751a6ea