A 2.5-metre crocodile hanging around a family’s backyard in north Queensland has been trapped and removed by authorities.
Rangers from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation removed the crocodile after its unwelcome presence was raised by the family with authorities in mid-January.
It is believed the animal was within 15 to 20 metres of the family home following recent heavy rainfall and flooding in the Cardwell region caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
“The crocodile was coming right up to the fence and attempting to stick its head under,” the wildlife officer Ella Meeve said.
The area falls under zone “E”, a general management area for crocodiles.
Hinchinbrook shire and Cardwell are common areas to find crocodiles across any body of water.
“Where this property was located it did have connectivity to other creeks and rivers in that area,” Meeve said.
“Pretty much up around that area you should expect to see a crocodile in any sort of water body. It is a typical crocodile habitat.”
The 2.5-metre salty was captured by deploying a floating trap in the water nearby with pig baits.
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Within a week the animal was safely captured and wildlife officers are now attempting to find it a new home after it heads to a holding facility in Townsville.
“There’s a lot of it, you’d be surprised,” Meeve quipped when asked about crocodile paperwork.
Authorities have issued reminders to be “crocwise” and expect crocodiles in all northern and far northern Queensland waterways even if there is no warning signs.
