Juvenile crocodile captured at Emu Park

Issued: 4 Jun 2021

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is advising people in the Rockhampton region to be crocwise and download the Qwildlife app after a crocodile was removed from the wild at Emu Park.

Manager Southern Wildlife Operations Frank Mills said a member of the public saw what they thought was a crocodile in a pond on Hill Street, and reported it to the Livingstone Shire Council.

“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service would like to thank the member of the public for reporting the crocodile, and the Livingstone Shire Council for advising wildlife officers of the report,” Mr Mills said.

“Wildlife officers confirmed the presence of the juvenile crocodile in the pond on Hill Street and advised the nearby Emu Park State School and installed recent warning signs at the site.

“Investigations showed its behaviour was not consistent with that of a juvenile crocodile, and it was declared a dangerous crocodile and targeted for removal from the wild.

“Wildlife officers captured the 1.63m crocodile on 2 June, and it will be rehomed at a farm or zoo.

Mr Mills said people in the Rockhampton region should expect crocodiles in all waterways, regardless of whether warning signs are in place.

“I encourage the wider Rockhampton community to report all crocodile sightings to the Department, rather than council, by calling 1300 130 372 or by using the Qwildlife app,” he said.

“The Qwildlife app helps make waterways in croc country safer by delivering real time information about crocodile sightings to wildlife officers and members of the public.

“People in croc country are encouraged to use it. For further information about the Qwildlife app and to download it, please visit the app store on your smart phone.”

Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in Croc Country

Crocodiles that pose a threat to human safety are targeted for removal under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.

Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan Emu Park is in Zone E (General Management Zone). This means that crocodiles displaying dangerous behaviour are targeted for removal.

Emu Park is known Croc Country and people in the area are reminded to always be Crocwise. In particular:

  • Expect crocodiles in ALL northern Queensland 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

Further information on being Crocwise is available.

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