A 2.5m crocodile caught on camera approaching people and boats looking for food has been removed from the wild.
Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation wildlife officers removed the crocodile near Coorooman Creek in the Rockhampton.
A floating baited trap was set up in the region on May 1 to safely capture the highly habitual crocodile after it had been lingering around boat ramps in the area for several months and closely approaching boats.
Wildlife officer Alexander Peters said the crocodile had been declared a dangerous animal.
“The crocodile exhibited concerning behaviour by deliberately approaching our vessel during a spotlight search and showing no fear, which is an indication that it had been fed on previous occasions and had become habituated,” Mr Peters said.
“Based on the crocodile’s habituated behaviour, it was declared a dangerous crocodile and targeted for removal from the wild.
“It is extremely disappointing that we had to remove the crocodile from the wild due to the actions of people, and I’d like to remind people there are significant penalties for deliberately feeding or interacting with crocodiles.
“The crocodile is being temporarily housed in the department’s holding pond while awaiting placement at a farm or zoo.”
Mr Peters thanked the members of the public for reporting the crocodile to the department.
“We want people to report all crocodile sightings in the greater Rockhampton area, as they help give wildlife officers a location and information about the animal’s behaviour,” he said.
“We investigate every sighting report, and during our investigations in the Coorooman Creek, we have observed other crocodiles in the area.”
Mr Peters said people should always remain croc wise when they’re nearby or entering waterways in the region.
“Removing this 2.5m animal does not remove the risks, and people should expect crocodiles in all local waterways, even if there are no signs there,” he said.
“People need to be aware that they are responsible for their own safety in croc country and should be croc wise by making sensible choices around waterways and avoiding complacency.”