Palmer Point crocodile euthanised by EHP wildlife officers

In a joint operation with Queensland Police Service, wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) have successfully targeted a crocodile, approximately 4 metres, at the mouth of the Russell River just south of where a spear fisher was reported missing last weekend.

The animal was located by wildlife officers at around 10pm last night (Tuesday 21 March 2017) during an EHP vessel-based patrol.

The animal was humanely euthanised by wildlife officers.

Environment Minister Steven Miles said wildlife officers were confident the crocodile was the target animal due to its size and location.

“It is believed to be the same crocodile wildlife officers pursued in the area on Monday night, they located it but it submerged and stayed out of sight.

“I want to thank our incredible team of wildlife officers who do a difficult, and in cases like this, very dangerous job.

“I also want to thank QPS for their assistance and the local community for their cooperation in staying away from the area while EHP wildlife officers pursued the animal.

“This area is well within crocodile country and it is important that residents and visitors continue to exercise CrocWise behaviour at all times.

Mr Miles said it was important that all crocodile sightings are reported to EHP as soon as possible on 1300 130 372 and that the department investigates all crocodile reports it receives.

“An important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s approach to crocodile management is an extensive program of public education and community engagement regarding public safety in crocodile country through its CrocWise campaign,” Mr Miles said.

“EHP will hold its next CrocWise stakeholders Roundtable in Cairns on 30 March, when the new Queensland Crocodile Management Plan, launched last week, and EHP proposals to refresh and improve its CrocWise messaging, will be discussed.”

ENDS