Snapped at croc trap man in court

A MAN has been fined $1800 after he was busted tampering with a crocodile trap in Port Douglas.

In October last year the man was photographed climbing in and around a trap that had been set in the Dicksons Inlet area just days after Anne Cameron, 79, was taken by a 4.3m saltwater crocodile at Craiglie Creek, a short distance away.

That crocodile was euthanased by rangers, but they could not rule out other large crocs being in the area.

Following an extensive investigation by police and wildlife officers, he was charged with four offences, including interfering with or damaging a crocodile trap.

He pleaded guilty in the Caboolture Magistrates Court and a conviction was recorded.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch labelled the man’s behaviour as dangerous.

“It is not an exaggeration to say that interfering with crocodile traps is potentially life threatening,” Ms Enoch said.

“It also places the general public at risk if the trap is tampered with in such a way that the trap no longer works, which hampers the ability of the Department of Environment and Science to deliver its important public safety role.

“These traps are specifically designed to attract crocodiles and they are deployed in places where a problem crocodile is known to be present.” Anyone who sees a crocodile should report the sighting to the Department of Environment and Science on 1300 130 372.