Kamerunga crocodile caught
6 February 2012
Rangers from the Department of Environment and Resource Management have caught a 4.3 metre estuarine crocodile near the Kamerunga bridge on the outskirts of Cairns.
DERM Acting Director Wildlife Management Ashley Bunce said a member of the public reported the crocodile to DERM on Thursday.
“A trap was set after a ranger observed the crocodile being attracted to fishing activities and showing concerning behaviour,” Dr Bunce said.
“We believe that crocodile was attracted to the area by people fishing with large live fish as bait and leaving fishing waste near the bridge.
“In accordance with our crocodile management policies, the crocodile’s behaviour was assessed and a trap was set on Friday.
“Early on Saturday (4 February) the crocodile was captured in the trap.
“It’s now been transported to our holding facility in Cairns and will go to a farm or zoo.
Dr Bunce issued a warning about being croc-wise in croc country.
“I urge fishers to remove their fish scraps and unused bait,” Dr Bunce said.
“Crocodiles are attracted to fishing waste and this can result in an increased risk to the public at the fishing site and the need to remove crocodiles that might otherwise stay clear of humans.
“Crocodile sightings should be reported to DERM at any time on 1300 130 372 – all reports are investigated.”
Crocwise tips include:
- obey croc warning signs
- never swim in water where crocs may live
- never stand in the waters edge or on an overhanging log, stand a few meters back for fishing or cast netting
- never provoke, harass or feed crocs
- never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait on the waters edge, near a camp site or boat ramp as this may attract crocs to the area
- always supervise children.
Further information on crocodiles and being Crocwise is available at www.derm.qld.gov.au.
Last updated 6 February 2012