A small freshwater crocodile found on a street is in good health. Photo: Qld Environment.
A young freshwater crocodile found on a suburban street near Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast is in good health.
And in northern Qld at Lucinda, near Ingham, a 3.8m crocodile had to be removed after it attracted to a boat ramp by bait and fish frames.
The Qld Environment Department said the young animal was found by a man on a suburban street on March 30 who took it home then alerted them.
Wildlife rangers collected the animal the next day and took it to the department’s Moggill facility for vet checks.
The animal is believed to be around two months old and it may be placed with a farm or zoo.
The department is investigating why the animal was in a street on the Gold Coast and believe it is either an escaped pet or illegally taken from the wild.
Anyone with information can contact the department on 1300 130 372 (anonymously if they want).
Freshwater crocodiles are native to rural central, western and northwest Queensland but not the Gold Coast.
LUCINDA CAPTURE
Meanwhile, a 3.8m-long estuarine crocodile was captured for removal near the Dungeness Creek boat ramp at Lucinda, near Ingham, in Far North Queensland.
Rangers captured the animal on Friday evening with a baited trap and will remove it from the area over its behaviour around the ramp and interfering with crab pots.
It is believed the crocodile was attracted to the ramp by discarded fish frames and bait.
The department says this incident is a reminder for people living in crocodile territory to make sensible choices around the water and prioritise their safety.
Never discard fish frames or unused bait at boat ramps or fishing spots as crocodiles can begin to associate those locations with food, the department says.
All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI via the QWildlife app, a sighting report on the DETSI website or by calling 1300 130 372.
TIPS FOR THE UNWARY
- Expect crocodiles in ALL northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning sign.
- Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe.
- Be aware crocs swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night.
- Stay well away from croc traps – that includes when fishing and boating.
- The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks.
- Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure.
- Camp well back from the water’s edge.
- Never leave food, fish scraps or disused bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps.
- Never provoke, harass or feed crocs.
- Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.
More details available at https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/crocodiles/croc-wise
