CATCHING A CROC
EX-NURSE IN REPTILE
A FORMER Cairns nurse has had “one of the most terrifying experiences” finding out a 3.5m crocodile was lurking in Lake Placid as he got in the water to help remove a crocodile trap.
A 1.5m crocodile was inside the trap.
Zac Damelian just moved back to Cairns with his partner Jack Wilder and said the pair was trying to unwind at the lake earlier this week but couldn’t shake an uneasy feel- ing. “We had the feeling that something was watching us, so (Jack) and I went back to the lake at night with torches,” he said.
“We shone the light over the water and saw two eyes glinting.”
Mr Damelian said he approached a Department of Environment and Heritage Protection contractor yesterday who was on his way to a floating croc trap.
When he was given the chance to tag along he jumped right in.
“I was a bit intimidated, to say the least,” he said.
“Being out there in kneedeep water and dragging the cage onto the shore was one the most terrifying experiences of my life.”
Mr Damelian said he used to swim in Lake Placid often about 10 years ago.
“I wouldn’t go in there now,” he said.
“The people of Lake Placid should be concerned and there should be more done to monitor the populations.”
An EHP spokeswoman confirmed there was a significantly larger crocodile currently in Lake Placid.
“Approximately one hour after the 1.5m crocodile was removed, a 3.5m crocodile was observed in the downstream area of Lake Placid,” she said.
“Under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan Lake Placid is located within Zone B (Active Removal Zone).
“This means that any crocodile found in the zone is automatically targeted for removal.”
She said the other, smaller crocodile had not been euthanised.
“The crocodile will be made available to crocodile farms and zoos,” she said.
Anyone who sees a crocodile in Cairns should report it to EHP by calling 1300 130 372.