A 4.7-metre saltwater crocodile was caught close to shore off The Strand a popular swimming and recreation area in Townsville last night.
Queensland Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said five Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) wildlife officers expertly caught the croc that was seen swimming close to shore yesterday morning.
“Crocodiles often use the ocean to move from one creek to another, but this one decided to hang around a popular tourist area just a little too long,” Dr Miles said.
“Public safety dictated this crocodile needed to be removed, but it’s not easy to capture a croc in the ocean,” he said.
“Floating traps don’t work well in open waters, so we need people with expert skills to either use a rope noose or a specialised hook to catch them.
“In this case, a specialised crocodile hook was used and resulted in a successful capture.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart urged members of the public to report croc sightings to EHP.
“When EHP received a call about The Strand crocodile early yesterday morning they were able to mobilise their resources and the crocodile was caught,” Mr Stewart said.
He said croc sightings could be reported to EHP by telephoning 1300 130 372 and the department investigated all crocodile reports it received.
“Even when reports turn out to be other animals or objects, such a dugongs or logs, we don’t mind because where public safety is concerned it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
Mr Stewart urged people to visit EHP’s website (www.ehp.qld.gov.au) to become more croc aware and get the right advice on being “croc wise”.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said public and media interest in crocodiles was a good thing, as it underlined the need for everyone in the region to be aware that these animals called the tropics home and they had the potential to be dangerous.
“Our rivers and coast north from the Boyne River at Gladstone are considered ‘Croc Country’ and it’s so important that people practise ‘croc wise’ behaviour,” Mr Harper said.
“We need people to take notice of any croc warning signs, stay out of any water where crocs may live and never, ever interact with crocs by feeding or harassing them, or trying to get close to them for a ‘selfie’,” he said.
“There are ideal places to get up close and personal with crocodiles – and they are called zoos.”
