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A huge saltwater crocodile has been seized in Cooktown, north of Cairns, after reportedly snatching two dogs and acting aggressively towards people.
The 4.3-metre male was located in the Endeavour River on Saturday.
Wildlife officers determined the animal as a problem crocodile due to its size, location and ‘bold’ behaviour.
After being captured in a baited trap, the crocodile was then transported to a Department of Environment & Science (DES) holding facility in Cairns.
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“The crocodile had sustained multiple injuries and wildlife officers believe these were caused by territorial disputes with other male crocodiles,” a DES spokesperson said.
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“The department will conduct a thorough assessment of the croc’s condition within the next week, and the animal may need veterinary treatment.”
As the estuarine crocodile is larger than four metres long, it will be handled as an ‘iconic crocodile’ under the state government’s conservation laws.
“This means the decision on where the crocodile will be placed and housed must be made in consultation with the relevant Traditional Owners,” a DES spokesperson said.
“It also means that the animal may only be placed with a registered crocodile farm or zoo which agrees to use it for educational purposes about crocodile conservation and their ecology.”
It's the seventh estuarine crocodile to be removed from the wild in Far North Queensland in the last three months.
Three were located in the Cairns region, and another three in the Cassowary Coast region.
Main points
- A 4.3-metre male saltwater crocodile has been captured in Cooktown's Endeavour River
- It was reported to have taken two dogs and acting aggressively towards people
- The animal was also found to be missing body parts after territorial disputes with other male crocodiles
