Decapitated 5m croc, known as Big John, found in Far North Queensland net

A well-known 5m saltwater crocodile recognised by its missing tail tip, has been found decapitated after drowning in a fishing net in a remote Far North Queensland community. Warning: Graphic content.

A well-known 5m saltwater crocodile, identifiable by its missing tail tip, has been found intentionally decapitated after drowning in a fishing net in a remote Far North Queensland community.

The grim discovery in Yarrabah Bay on Wednesday, July 30, has sparked an investigation by Queensland wildlife authorities into the death of the apex predator known as Big John.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment and Tourism said possessing crocodile body parts, such as a skull, without a permit is illegal.

The department has urged anyone with information to contact authorities and can do so anonymously.

“Anyone with information can provide it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372 or by completing a wildlife complaint form via the DETSI website,” the spokesman said.

A well-known 5m saltwater crocodile recognised by its missing tail tip, has been found decapitated and entangled in a fishing net in a remote Far North Queensland community. Picture: Facebook

Saltwater crocodiles are protected in Queensland and killing one illegally carries a penalty of up to $37,552.

Big John had long been monitored by Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Rangers and was considered an iconic presence in the Buddabadoo (Yarrabah) creek systems.

Estimated between four to five metres long, the community affectionately dubbed him “Crocodile Casanova of Buddabadoo” for basking alongside several females.

Aerial view of Yarrabah, a seaside township located 11 kilometres east of Cairns on Cape Grafton. The town is the largest Aboriginal community in Australia, with more than 3500 residents, and is the traditional country of the Gunggandji and Yidinji people. Picture: Brendan Radke

A Gunggandji Aboriginal Corporation spokeswoman said the croc had not become entangled in an abandoned net and the corporation was assisting DETSI with the investigation.

“We can confirm the net wasn’t a ghost net,” she said.

“The Gunggandji Aboriginal Corporation is assisting DETSI with the investigations as Big John was located in Yarrabah Bay, which is monitored by the Gunggandji Land and Sea Rangers.”

GAC first confirmed Big John’s death in a heartfelt tribute posted to social media.

“With heavy hearts, we share the loss of an ancient and iconic presence – Big John, the saltwater crocodile who has watched over Buddabadoo for many years,” the statement read.

GMY Rangers recently filmed a large male crocodile in pursuit of another crocodile at Buddabadoo. Picture: Facebook

“In that time, we developed a deep connection with him — a powerful creature who reminded us daily of the balance between reef and rainforest, and the spirit of country itself.”

They described him as a “guardian of our waterways” and a link to their ancestral knowledge.

“A living reminder of why we protect and care for our land and sea country.”

A decapitated croc was found in a dry creek bed near Karumba in 2018. Picture: North West Star

A crocodile of more than four metres in length was found decapitated at Cow Bay Beach, north of Daintree River in 2018. Picture: Tommy Hayes

The discovery also came on World Ranger Day which GAC said was a bittersweet moment for the rangers who carry out culturally grounded conservation work on country.

“His passing is deeply felt by our team and community,” a spokesperson said.

Big John’s death comes after a spate of similar incidents in 2018, when multiple headless crocodiles were discovered across Far North Queensland, prompting concerns trophy hunters may be illegally targeting the protected species.

Originally published as Decapitated 5m croc, known as Big John, found in Far North Queensland net