Interference with crocodile trap – Ingham

Issued: 26 Apr 2024

A remote camera has captured the moment a man ignored Crocwise messaging and risked his life by interfering with a crocodile trap in Cattle Creek near Ingham.

Taken by a camera mounted inside the trap on 25 April 2024, the photograph shows the man’s legs as he stands barefoot on the trap.

Senior Wildlife Officer, Tony Frisby said the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is appealing for public help to help identify the man who ignored the recent crocodile sighting warning signs near the trap.

“Interfering with a crocodile trap is potentially life-threatening behaviour and we cannot understand why the man has taken this risk,” Mr Frisby said.

“The baited, floating trap was set to capture a four-metre crocodile that lunged twice at a person fishing from the bank on 18 April 2024.

“Baited traps are designed to attract declared ‘problem crocodiles’ that pose an unacceptable risk to the public.

“We have confirmed the presence of a large, aggressive crocodile in the creek, and are seeking to remove the animal to help keep people safe.

“Not only has the man risked his own life, he could have risked the lives of others – as interfering with a trap can render it inoperable so the target crocodile cannot not be caught.

“The maximum penalty for interfering with a crocodile trap is $18,576, and anyone with information about the man’s identity is encouraged to call DESI on 1300 130 372.

People are responsible for their own safety in Croc Country, and this man was certainly not being Crocwise by behaving in this reckless way.”

Crocodiles are highly mobile and can be found in streams and waterways throughout north Queensland, even if there are no warning signs.

Ingham is crocodile habitat, and DESI has received and responded to 40 crocodile sighting reports in the Hinchinbrook local government area since 1 January 2024.

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DESI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

People in the Ingham area are urged to be CrocWise, which includes:

• expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign
• obey all warning signs – they are there to keep you safe
• be aware crocs also swim in the ocean and be extra cautious around water at night
• stay well away from crocodile traps – that includes when fishing and boating
• the smaller the vessel the greater the risk, so avoid using canoes and kayaks
• stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and don’t wade in to retrieve a lure
• camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water
• never leave food, fish scraps or bait near the water, at camp sites or at boat ramps
• never provoke, harass, or feed crocs
• always supervise children near the water and keep pets on a lead.