Doubt on dual saltie kill
Officials say reports may be same animal
FEARS a trigger-happy serial crocodile killer could be on the loose in the Mulgrave River have been played down with authorities believing it “likely” only one reptile has actually been shot.
A farmer on Saturday found a 4m apex predator lifeless in the waterway near Deeral landing, tethered to a tree with a rope wrapped around its snout.
Officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection were already investigating the illegal gun killing of another 4m crocodile found in the same estuary on Tuesday.
The farmer reported the matter to Division 1 Cairns Regional Councillor Brett Olds, who said an investigation would have to occur but it was clear “human intervention had occurred”.
A department spokesman was uncertain but suggested the first and second crocodiles were probably one and the same.
He confirmed Tuesday’s grisly discovery had been moved downstream and tied to the bank, rather than removed from the river.
Despite the possible case of mistaken identity, Mayor Bob Manning said it was a clear sign the State Government’s management plan was failing.
He said the once-unheardof visit of a crocodile to Kewarra Beach on Friday could spell disaster for tourism.
“Can you imagine if one of those went on the beach on the Gold Coast?
“Down there they put in nets that end up catching whales, dolphins and turtles.
“They’ve got baited lines that kill all sorts of marine life.
“Up here, we just let these things on to our beaches.”
Cr Manning warned there would be bedlam if people started taking matters into their own hands.
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said the State Government was still undertaking a major crocodile population survey that would guide future policy.
“People shouldn’t be taking things into their own hands,” he said.
“Taking firearms to native animals is not only an offence, it is also a stupid thing to do.
“Simply notify the authorities which is very easy, and if you can’t do that, call the council or police or someone.”
The department will investigate further today.