Croc death investigation – Daintree River

Issued: 8 Jun 2023

Photo of the head of the deceased crocodile which was discovered on the banks of the Daintree River is being investigated by Department of Environment and Science (DES) fearing the animal was targeted and deliberately killed.Open larger image

The crocodile was estimated to be around 40-years old.

A crocodile carcass discovered on the banks of the Daintree River is being investigated, with the Department of Environment and Science (DES) fearing the animal was targeted and deliberately killed.

The female crocodile, estimated to be forty years old, was last seen alive on 11 May by a Daintree River tour group operator.

On 18 May, her partial remains, were found on the bank of the Daintree River beside a tourist operator’s moored vessel.

The tour group operator who conducts regular tours of the Daintree River reported the incident to DES after making the discovery.

The tour group operator described receiving an anonymous phone call from a man who claimed to have killed the animal.

The caller also reportedly claimed to have killed a decapitated crocodile found on the beach at Cow Bay in April this year.

People are reminded that crocodiles in Queensland are a vulnerable species and are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

It is unlawful to deliberately harm or kill crocodiles or be in possession of a deceased crocodile or parts of a deceased crocodile.

The maximum penalty for the deliberate harm or killing of crocodiles in Queensland is $32,243.

Anyone with information about these incidents, or with information about people in possession of crocodile skulls or other body parts, should call 1300 130 372 or contact the Queensland Police Service.

Information can be provided anonymously.