The 3.4m crocodile caught at the Ingham wetlands. Photo: Qld Government.
A 3.4-metre saltwater crocodile found near a child’s playground in Ingham has been removed and will be rehomed at a fam or zoo.
Queensland wildlife rangers say they were tipped off to the animal’s presence in the Tyto Wetlands.
The animal was caught in a baited trap and removed on May 10 due to its size and location near the popular recreational area with children’s playground.
Senior wildlife ranger Tony Frisby says that reporting crocodile sightings is vital to public safety as it gives the department important information about the crocodile’s size, location and behaviour.
“We’d like to thank those people who reported the crocodile. Their information helped us to determine that it should be declared a problem crocodile and targeted for removal,” Frisby says.
HABITAT REMINDER
The wetlands at Ingham, which can be accessed from the Bruce Highway on its southern approach to town, is a known crocodile habitat.
“People are reminded that the Ingham area is crocodile habitat and crocodiles move in and out of the artificial Tyto Wetlands, particularly during flooding,” he says.
“Crocodiles could be present in any waterway in the Ingham area. People should make sensible choices when they are around the water.
“As we head into winter, crocodiles will likely spend more time on creek and riverbanks, and may be seen in locations where they haven’t been seen in years or haven’t been seen before,” Frisby says.
“It is important to report all crocodile sightings to us as soon as possible, and wildlife rangers investigate every sighting report.”
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the Environment Department website or by calling 1300 130 372.
The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
More information is available at Be Crocwise.
