Experts defend ranger response to Cape York croc fatality
State government crocodile experts have rejected suggestions a crocodile responsible for a fatal attack on a fisherman in Far North Queensland is still on the prowl. HERE’S WHY
State government crocodile experts have defended the response to a fatal croc attack in 2023, and guaranteed all predators involved in the attack were shot.
The remains of missing fisherman Kev Darmody were found inside a 4.1m male croc and a 2.8m female, both shot at the North Kennedy River, in Far North Queensland in May 2023.
But Far North fisherman this week spoke out about a 5m saltwater croc displaying aggressive behaviour toward humans which they claimed was also involved in the attack on Mr Darmody.
Director Northern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations Lindsay Delzoppo strongly dismissed these claims and said rangers had undertaken a “meticulous investigation” alongside the Queensland Police Service to identify the crocs involved in the attack on Mr Darmody.
“This included intensive land and vessel-based surveys of the river and the use of drones which clearly identified the two crocodiles involved in the incident,” he said.
Mr Delzoppo said it was well documented crocodiles “show off” after making a significant kill and swollen bellies can often be a telltale signs a croc has recently ingested a large meal.
“A crocodile, which is regularly seen in the national park downstream of the site of the attack has not exhibited any of these behaviours and there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that this crocodile was involved in the tragic incident in 2023,” he said.
“The Far North Queensland community can be reassured that all crocodiles involved in the tragic, fatal attack on Kev Darmody … were humanely euthanized within days of the incident in 2023.”
Department of Environmental program co-ordinator for wildlife research and monitoring Simon Booth said rangers had been to Lakefield National Park at Kennedy Bend where two big crocs were known to hang out.
He said the animals had been assessed and their behaviour was considered “normal”.
“We have undertaken assessments at that area, every time officers have been there, there have been crocodiles present most of the time, but certainly (the animals were) not displaying any concerning or aggressive behaviour,” he said.
Of greater concern to Mr Booth, who recently visited the North Kennedy River, was another fatality waiting to happen in area due to local fishos believing croc wise advice did not apply to them after seeing a fisherman wade out through waist deep water to start flicking lures from a sandbank in the middle of the river.
“He claimed to be from Cooktown, he knew there were crocodiles there, and still made that decision to walk out in the river to fish,” he said.
“It’s really frustrating when you see people putting themselves in harm’s way, causing problems, feeding animals, feeding crocodiles and encouraging them to approach people, it creates a significant risk for others.
“It can’t be understated, the risk it creates to the public, and certainly, these environments can be used safely, but people need to remain Crocwise.”
Mr Booth said those typically flouting Crocwise advice were middle aged men with knowledge of Far North rivers.
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Originally published as Experts defend ranger response to Cape York croc fatality
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