Croc wounded by arrow euthanised
A FAR North croc found swimming with an arrow lodged in its back last week had to be been put down after an examination revealed it had been stabbed multiple times.
Department of Environment and Science wildlife officers captured and removed the 3.5m saltie from the Johnstone River, just upstream of Innisfail on January 17, after a member of the public saw it swimming around moored vessels and reported it.
According to a DES spokesman, officers were able to safely remove some of the exposed part of the steel arrow, but the rest of the barbed shaft remained embedded against the animal’s spine.
“An examination revealed external injuries to the crocodile’s neck and throat, indicating it had been stabbed multiple times,” he said.
“The crocodile was found to be in very poor physical condition due to its injuries and there were large areas of dead tissue on its back, around where the weapon had penetrated its body.
“The arrow is also likely to have caused extensive internal injuries and the animal appeared in great discomfort.
“Unfortunately the decision had to be made to humanely euthanise the animal,” the spokesman said.
DES is now seeking public information about the attack on the crocodile.
It is an offence under Section 88 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to deliberately harm or kill an estuarine crocodile, with a maximum penalty of $30,026.
Contact DES on 1300 130 372 to make a report.