Traps set for crocodile in Ingham pond
WILDLIFE officers have targeted a croc spotted in a public pond in Ingham.
Traps were set in Palm Creek, near Garbutt Park, late last week.
A 0.6m- 0.8m crocodile had been reported in the pond on May 28.
While only small, officers targeted the reptile due to its proximity to residents.
The Queensland Environment Department was warning locals and visitors to be croc wise as Ingham was “well known” croc country. The croc, when captured, will be rehomed to a farm or a zoo.
A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said the trap remained in place in Palm Creek and urged people to stay away from the trap as it was “illegal and dangerous to interfere with a crocodile trap”.
There were 14 crocodile sightings in the region in May and so far in June there has been another sighting at The Strand at Kissing Point.
Billabong Sanctuary senior ranger Chris Benstead told the Townsville Bulletin it was prime croc- spotting time at the moment as crocs took to the banks of estuaries to sun themselves of a morning and afternoon.
While they were moving a little slower than during mating season, he warned against complacency as the reptiles remained highly opportunistic predators.
The Department of Environment and Science advised people to avoid using canoes and kayaks in crocodile territories and camp at least 50m from the edge of the water.