Sinister discovery in Aussie waterway sparks $36,000 fine: 'Contact police'
Anybody with information relating to this cruel trap, believed to be deliberately set to catch and kill a huge crocodile in Queensland, have been told to contact police without delay.
Wildlife authorities have blasted the individuals allegedly responsible for "deliberately attempting to capture and kill" a large crocodile in the country's north earlier this week by setting a "cruel" and unlawful hook and snare line by a riverbed.
On Thursday, Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) urged anybody that has information about the illegal trap, found on Monday, January 20, in the upper reaches of the Bohle River in Townsville, to come forward.
The department said wildlife officers are "convinced" the trap was set to catch a large crocodile in the area, which was first reported on January 8.
Unlawful trap slammed by Queensland wildlife officers
Senior Wildlife Officer Tony Frisby said the department "strongly believes that someone set the baited hook" in an intentional effort to capture and kill the animal. “ Officers investigated the sighting report and observed an estimated 3.8 metre crocodile on the bank of the river,” Frisby told media.
“Given the size of the animal and its location, it has been declared as a dangerous crocodile and we have set a baited trap to capture it. As part of our investigation, wildlife officers found the large, baited hook and snare line attached to a pylon beneath the Little Bohle Bridge.
“We strongly believe that someone set the baited hook in a deliberate attempt to capture and kill the crocodile."
Why are crocodile hooks so cruel?
Frisby said if the crocodile had been hooked, it could’ve drowned or died with the device lodged inside its throat or stomach.
"We conducted further searches of the river for similar devices and didn’t find any," he said. "We don’t tolerate poaching or acts of animal cruelty like this, and anyone with information about the setting of this baited hook and line is urged to contact the department.”
Frisby thanked the member of the public who reported the crocodile to the department via the QWildlife app and encouraged other Queenslanders to follow suit. "It is important that every crocodile sighting is reported to us in a timely manner, and wildlife officers investigate every report we receive," he said.
"We have targeted this animal for removal from the wild, and if captured, it will be rehomed in a zoo or farm where it can be part of a breeding program or educational program."
Crocodiles are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the maximum penalty for the deliberately harm or killing of a crocodile is $36,293. Being caught in possession of a deceased crocodile or parts of a deceased crocodile, such as a skull, skin or claws is also an offence.
Anyone who knows about the hook, or with information about people in possession of crocodile skulls or other body parts, should call 1300 130 372 or contact Queensland Police.
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