Qld officials are looking to identify those behind attempts to lure a large crocodile (not this one) in the Whitsundays. Photo: stock/Pixabay
Queensland wildlife officials are calling for help to track those who lured a large crocodile to the Proserpine River boat ramp at Conway in the Whitsundays.
The crocodile was caught in a baited trap on Saturday, April 5, and rehomed.
Queensland wildlife rangers said they discovered discarded fish frames at the ramp and were told by the public of pig carcasses tied up there.
The discovery was made when they were trying to locate the animal.
Qld Environment’s acting Manager Northern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations Jane Burns says the pig carcases means a deliberate attempt was made to lure the animal.
“Deliberate or inadvertent feeding of crocodiles at boat ramps or fishing locations can change their behaviour, and they will hang around an area expecting food,” she said.
“Crocodiles do not need to be fed.
“Tourists and people living in crocodile habitat should make sensible choices around the water to prioritise their safety and to help prevent crocodiles being removed from the wild.”
She points out that it is an offence under the Nature Conservation Plan to deliberately discard fish frames or pig carcasses that may attract crocodiles.
“This type of behaviour is very disappointing and concerning. It creates an increased risk to public safety,” Burns says.
“Crocodiles can become habituated to an easy meal and associate that with a particular location or people. This unfortunately has created a higher risk of a crocodile attack at this location.”
NEW HOME FOR A BIG CROC
The large, male crocodile was spotted very close to the boat ramp and pontoon.
Given its size and behaviour, it was designated for removal from the wild.
A baited trap was set on Friday, April 4, and it was captured in the early hours of Saturday 5 April 2025.
It will be rehomed at a crocodile farm or zoo.
Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of this, or any, crocodile is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.
All crocodile sightings should be reported as soon as possible, the government says.
Sightings can be reported via the QWildlife app or completing a report on the DETSI website.
The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
