Shoot to kill order after croc slips patrols and traps in Lake Placid
A 2 metre saltwater crocodile that had been living in Lake Placid was shot dead this morning by wildlife officers.
The croc was first reported to authorities on 9 April with Environment Minister Steven Miles saying traps had been set to try to snare the reptile.
"A floating trap was deployed and EHP contractors conducted regular night-time spotlighting patrols in an attempt to locate and capture the animal, without success,” he said.
“It was believed that the crocodile may have been moving in and out of the lake from time to time. The crocodile was also extremely wary, further hampering removal efforts.”
Mr Miles said that in recent days the crocodile had been seen basking on a rock at Lake Placid.
“In the interest of public safety it was determined last week to step up the operation and use lethal force to remove the crocodile, if necessary,” Mr Miles said.
“I’d like to thank the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for their assistance to EHP’s wildlife officers in this morning’s operation.”
