Croc near town shot

A LARGE crocodile responsible for scaring a group of kids into climbing a tree for their safety has been located and shot.

In February, Kowanyama Police rescued eight children aged between 11 and 14 who had been playing in a river, before a crocodile began approaching them.

The kids reportedly climbed a tree and yelled for help but their behaviour received backlash from community elders, including the grandfather of two of the children.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said the organisation was contacted by Kowanyama community members on March 16 regarding concerns about a large crocodile in a billabong within the Cape York town.

“DES officers arrived at Kowanyama on Friday, March 18 and, with local land and sea rangers, surveyed Magnificent Creek over five nights,” the spokesman said.

He said officers and rangers identified a 3.5m crocodile on March 22 in the creek within the Kowanyama township.

Due to its size and immediate proximity within the town, it presented a high risk to community safety.

“The animal was declared a problem crocodile and, as there was no other option to remove the animal safely, it was humanely euthanised in situ.

“DES wildlife officers worked closely with the local Kowanyama rangers, Traditional Owners, and the Kowanyama Council and Mayor, as well as the broader Kowanyama community throughout this event.

“While in attendance wildlife officers took the opportunity to provide further training to local rangers, whose assistance was invaluable in resolving the situation.”

The Queensland Crocodile Management Plan stated all crocodiles displaying aggressive or threatening behaviour and posing a risk to human safety were targeted for capture and removal, or were humanely euthanised if no safe option for capture was available.

In July last year, a survey revealed there were 20,000 to 30,000 salties throughout the state with the highest density of crocs recorded in the northern Cape York Peninsula at three per kilometre.

Kowanyama community elder Thomas Hudson said while the town that had always lived with crocodiles was vigilant, “the numbers are getting too big, and they’re getting too brave”.