A 2.3 metre crocodile has been captured in the Mulgrave River, upstream from Gordonvale.
Wildlife officers caught the crocodile in a trap on Sunday near the Ross and Locke recreation area.
Director Northern Wildlife Lindsay Delzoppo says the baited trap was deployed near the Ross and Locke recreational area on January 30.
“That section of the Mulgrave River that is mapped as Zone C under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.
“In Zone C, any crocodile of two metres in length or larger is targeted for removal from the wild.
“Although the targeted crocodile has been removed from the wild, it is still extremely important that people in the greater Cairns region and beyond continue to Be Crocwise.
“The Mulgrave River is typical habitat for crocodiles, and they will continue to be present in the river.”
Mr Delzoppo says QPWS wildlife officers conducted several assessments along the river after a member of the public reported seeing a crocodile near Fisheries Bridge on January 9.
“Fisheries Bridge is several kilometres upstream of the Ross and Locke recreational area,” he says.
“People in Croc Country are urged to report all crocodile sightings in a timely manner, and wildlife officers investigate every sighting report.”
Crocodile sightings can be reported to DESI by using the QWildlife app, submitting a sighting report on the QWildlife app, via the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) website, or by calling 1300 130 372.
It’s important everyone in Croc Country practices “Crocwise” behaviour, in particular:
- Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign
- Obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
- Be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
- Stay well away from croc traps – that includes fishing and boating
- The smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
- Stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
- Camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water
- Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near water, camp site or boat ramp
- Never provoke, harass, or feed crocs
- Always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.
