Crocodile caught at Newell Beach

A three to four-metre crocodile has been caught in Saltwater Creek at Newell Beach, near Mossman.

Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said rangers believed this crocodile was the one recently reported.

“The crocodile was caught today (30 April) in a trap set on 19 April following several reports about a large crocodile swimming close to the beach,” Mr Powell said.

Member for Cook David Kempton said he was pleased the trapping attempts had been successful and said the capture reaffirmed the Newman Government’s pledge to better manage crocodiles in north Queensland.

“Both the Minister and I have consistently said this government would act quickly to capture crocodiles that present any risk to people and we have taken a keen interest in ensuring that is the case,” Mr Kempton said.

Mr Powell said rangers would recover the crocodile tomorrow when tides allowed access to the trap, and after it was assessed it would be offered to a registered crocodile farm or zoo.

“Any crocodile which is assessed as displaying behaviour that constitutes a threat to human safety will be targeted for capture and removal,” he said.

“Crocodile sightings can be reported at any time on 1300 130 372 and EHP investigates all crocodile reports it receives.

“Unfortunately, the capture of one crocodile does not mean the region is crocodile-free.

“Newell Beach is within an area of known crocodile habitat and if anyone sees other crocodiles in the vicinity, this should be reported to EHP as soon as possible.”

Mr Powell urged people to take care at Newell Beach and be “Crocwise” in known crocodile habitat by:

·         Obeying croc warning signs

·         Not swimming or letting pets swim in waters where crocs may live

·         Being aware that that crocodiles also swim in the ocean

·         Standing back from the water when fishing or cast netting

·         Never provoking, harassing or feeding crocs

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

·         Always supervising children

Further information on crocodiles and being Crocwise is available on EHP’s website at www.ehp.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 30 April 2013

Media contact: Brooke Hargraves 0458 689 043