Busted over croc bait

Dead wallabies land man date with court

A MAN who allegedly used wallaby carcasses as bait to try to lure a large crocodile on to hooks at White Rock is due to face court this month.

The 34-year-old man is facing three counts of taking a protected animal, relating to the wallabies allegedly used on traps which were placed in Chinaman’s Creek.

The crocodile was allegedly caught within one of the traps, but managed to free itself and escape.

Several members of the public had reported the presence of the large crocodile in the heavily vegetated area of the creek to Edmonton police late last month and an investigation was started.

A police media spokeswoman said detectives raided an Atlantic Cl home on Wednesday and took the man into custody.

It is alleged that during the raid they also found cannabis plants, packaged cannabis and drug utensils.

Two telephones were also seized.

The man is also facing two counts of possession of a dangerous drug, one count each of producing a dangerous drug, possession of drug utensils and possession of a thing used in the commission of a crime.

He was also charged with 21 counts of supplying a dangerous drug.

The man is due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court for the first time on February 14.

The police spokeswoman said wildlife officers had declared the animal a “problem crocodile” and targeted it for removal.

“Fed crocodiles can associate humans with food, become bold, and may start stalking people near the water’s edge or making their way into camping areas in pursuit of food,” she said.

“Wildlife officers have installed a trap and recent sighting warning signs in the area, while residents are asked to stay well away from the waterway as attempts are made to remove the animal.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected incidents of wildlife-related crime to the Department of Environment and Science.”