Crocodile captured in the Mulgrave River
Issued: 14 Feb 2024
The 2.3m crocodile was caught in a baited trap
A 2.3m crocodile has been captured in a trap in the Mulgrave River near the Ross and Locke recreation area, upstream of Gordonvale on 11 February 2024.
Wildlife officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS)confirmed the presence of the crocodile during a spotlight assessment of the river on 29 January 2024.
Director Northern Wildlife Lindsay Delzoppo said the baited trap was deployed near the Ross and Locke recreational area on 30 January.
“That section of the Mulgrave River that is mapped as Zone C under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan,” Mr Delzoppo said.
“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 said QPWS wildlife officers conducted several assessments along the river after a member of the public reported seeing a crocodile near Fisheries Bridge on 9 January 2024.
“Fisheries Bridge is several kilometres upstream of the Ross and Locke recreational area,” he said.
“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.
North Queensland is known Croc Country. 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.