Massive 4.74m crocodile was difficult for authorities to capture, evading their attempts across a number of days

The 4.7m crocodile found with human remains inside it was evasive and took days before it was eventually captured in Far North Queensland, authorities say.

The massive 4.74 meter crocodile at the center of the recovery mission in Aurukun proved difficult for authorities to capture, frequently evading their attempts. File photo. Picture: Brendan Radke

The 4.7m crocodile found with human remains inside it was evasive and took days before it was eventually captured in Far North Queensland, authorities say.

It’s believed the crocodile took and killed much loved 60-year-old Aurukun man, Adam Yunkaporta, while he was fishing on January, 30.

Mr Yunkaporta was at the centre of a missing person search for a several days before it tragically turned into a recovery mission.

Authorities say the crocodile was distinguishable as it had a “dark skin” colouration compared to the other large crocodiles in the area.

Police have located human remains inside a crocodile as part of the recovery mission in Aurukun. Picture: QPS

The croc camouflaged well with the dark water ways, which contributed to making it hard to see.

A spokesman from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said the search was also difficult as weather events cause crocodiles to seek shelter.

“In significant weather events, crocodiles usually seek sheltered locations and become harder to locate,” he said.

“The crocodile also moved away from vessels and submerged during the investigation.”

Queensland Police confirmed forensic testing was carried out on Saturday morning. Picture: Brendan Radke

Two traps had initially been set-up in the Aurukun Estuary but the reptile was humanely euthanised after a spotlight search on the banks of the Watson River.

“The 4.74m crocodile was located during a spotlight search on Friday night, February 8 on the water’s edge and humanely euthanised,” the spokesman said.

One Aurukun resident told the Cairns Post the crocodile had been reported to authorities in previous years.

“The danger of this particular crocodile had been reported before over the years,” the man said.

Mr Yunkaporta was last known to have gone fishing at the convergence of the three rivers west of Aurukun. File photo. Brendan Radke

The DETSI spokesman said it had received a total of five crocodile sighting reports from the Aurukun region in 2024.

“As part of our investigation, we provided Crocwise messaging to the mayor, councillors, local rangers, and community members, and reinforced the importance of continuing to report sightings,” he said.

The environmental body said after site assessments were conducted between May 5-9 and May 22-24 in 2024, with no concerning crocodile behaviour identified.

“We did not receive any further crocodile sighting reports after our May 2024 site visit,” the spokesman said.

Queensland Police confirmed forensic testing was carried out on Saturday morning, February 9, and human remains were located inside the crocodile.

 Further testing will be conducted to identify the remains. 

Pandanus weaving in Aurukun, a small Indigenous town on The Gulf of Carpentaria, 800 kilometres north northwest of Cairns on Cape York in Far North Queensland. File photo. Picture: Brendan Radke

The family of Mr Yunkaporta and the council have been advised.

Mr Yunkaporta has been remember as a much loved member of the community.

Out of respect for the family, photos of Mr Yunkaporta have not been used in this story.

Originally published as Massive 4.74m crocodile was difficult for authorities to capture, evading their attempts across a number of days