Rangers have captured a monster 4.5m saltwater crocodile in a Queensland river.
The croc was spotted multiple times in the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, its first sighting dating back to May of this year.
Under Queensland’s crocodile management plan, any crocodile larger than two metres must be removed from large urban areas.
Senior Wildlife Officer Josh Morris said more than 20km of the river had been surveyed to spot the croc.
“It is a large animal, and it is a reminder that Rockhampton is croc country and there is a population of crocodiles in the Fitzroy River, above and below the barrage,” he said.
“In 2023, wildlife officers have investigated 32 crocodile sighting reports in the Rockhampton region, with fifteen crocodiles reported above the barrage.
“Entering the water in croc country is a choice.
“Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country.”
The trap, which captured the croc, was first set back in May after it was spotted on the bank of the Fitzroy River.
The saltie will be kept at a government facility before being moved to a farm or zoo.
While most crocodiles are highly territorial and can attack humans, large crocodiles are “more capable” of injuring or killing people, the state’s management plan says.
Queensland’s crocodile management plan defines any “large crocodile” as being more than two metres in size, among which the “vast majority of attacks” on people are carried out.
This most recent capture comes one week after a man bitten by a two metre saltwater crocodile at Wangi Falls, a popular swimming hole in the Northern Territory.
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The man was hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries to his arm and back.
Queensland rangers have encouraged members of the community to report any croc sightings to CrocWatch by calling 1300 130 372.
Although crocodile management plans help to reduce the number of harm-related incidents, government officials have warned the risk of a crocodile being present can never be completely removed.
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