Wildlife authorities in north Queensland are warning residents and tourists not to feed crocodiles after the discovery of a 4.5-metre saltwater crocodile near a boat ramp.
The croc was captured in a baited trap near the Proserpine River boat ramp at Conway on Saturday after rangers expressed concern about its size, behaviour and an increased risk to public safety.
The reptile will be rehomed at a crocodile farm or zoo.
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Authorities are investigating whether the animal was lured to the site deliberately.
Rangers found discarded fish frames had been left at the boat ramp, while members of the public reported entire pig carcasses were tied to the boat ramp.
“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,” acting manager of northern wildlife and threatened species operations Jane Burns said.
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“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.
“Crocodiles do not need to be fed, and 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.”
Burns said the suspected behaviour was disappointing and created a risk to public safety.
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“Under the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2018, it is an offence to deliberately discard fish frames or pig carcasses that may attract crocodiles,” she said.
“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.”
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