Source: Tasmania Police
Issued: 9 May 2025
Estuarine crocodile in a floating trap.
A 2.8-metre estuarine crocodile has been captured in a floating trap on the Ross River near Aplins Weir on 8 May 2025.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation targeted the animal for removal after receiving multiple sighting reports recently from concerned members of the public.
Wildlife rangers conducted a land-based spotlight assessment to locate the crocodile and due to its size and location – in a high recreational use area – it was targeted for removal.
Principal Wildlife Ranger Dinouk Perera said that when wildlife rangers were removing the trapped animal, they observed a second crocodile about two metres in length, nearby.
“We have re-installed the trap to target the second crocodile for removal,” Mr Perera said.
“The department would like to thank those community members who reported the crocodile.
“Crocodile sighting reports give us important information about a crocodile’s location and behaviour that allows us to assess whether it needs to be removed from the wild.
“The captured crocodile is currently in a holding pond at our facility and will be rehomed to a farm or zoo.
“People in Townsville are reminded that the area is crocodile habitat, and they need to make sensible choices when they are around the water.
“Crocodiles could be present in any waterway in areas of crocodile habitat. They can swim long distances and may turn up in places they haven’t been seen before, particularly after flooding.
“That’s why it is important to report all crocodile sightings to the department as soon as possible, for investigation by wildlife rangers.”
Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.
Further information is available at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/crocodiles/becrocwise