Trapping recommences for Mary River crocodile

Wildlife officers will recommence a trapping program for the Mary River crocodile tomorrow morning.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said rangers would place a floating trap in the river at approximately 10.30 am.

Mr Powell said wildlife rangers had monitored the crocodile’s presence in the river since it was first reported on 30 April this year.

As the animal, estimated to be 3.5 metres long, was south of the normal range for crocodiles (from Cape York Peninsula to Gladstone) it was targeted for capture and removal, in line with the department’s crocodile management program.

Attempts to trap the crocodile began on 2 May but were unsuccessful as cooler weather and lower water temperatures are believed to have resulted in the animal’s appetite being suppressed as it showed no interest in the bait.

The trap was removed on 25 May.

Mr Powell said there was evidence the Mary River crocodile was still in the river system.

"We’ve had sighting reports from time to time since May and rangers have observed the animal in the vicinity of Brothers Island in recent weeks and slide marks have been seen on the banks of the river,” he said.  

“EHP planned to recommence a trapping program for the crocodile when warmer weather returned if it continued to inhabit the Mary River system.

 “The animal still appears to be wary of human activity, and as such the public should exercise caution in or near the river, particularly the Beaver Rock area.”

Members of the public are urged to:

·         Obey croc warning signs

·         Not swim in waterways where crocs may live and remember that crocodiles can also swim in the ocean

·         Stand back from the water when fishing or cast netting

·         Never provoke, harass or feed crocs

·         Never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, a camp site or boat ramp, and

·         Always supervise children

Crocodile sightings can be reported to EHP at any time on 1300 130 372 and the department investigates all sighting reports it receives.

More information on crocodiles and being “Croc Wise” is available on EHP’s website at www.ehp.qld.gov.au.

ENDS-

Contact: Alex Bernard 0417 252 563

Note to editors / chiefs-of-staff: The trap will be placed in the river from the Beaver Rock boat ramp.